116th BCT soldier builds playground equipment for Kirkuk orphanage

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers from Task Force 2-116 Armor's headquarters company watch Iraqi children dangle from their new monkey bars after their installation August 19 at the orphanage in Kirkuk. Sgt. Doyle constructed the set from scrap metal and other unit soldiers painted them. (Photo submitted by Task Force 2-116 Armor)  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

08.31.2005

Courtesy Story

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FOB WARRIOR, Iraq -- Children at one Kirkuk orphanage now have a playground full of new equipment, thanks to the efforts of the headquarters company of the 116th Brigade Combat Team's Task Force 2-116 Armor who installed a custom-built playground set August 19.

While doing an assessment of a Kirkuk orphanage back in March, the unit noticed run-down playground equipment that was inadequate for the number of children. One metalworker in the group, Sgt. Fenton Doyle, decided to use his talent to build new equipment.

"Sgt. Doyle spent his spare time gathering and welding scrap metal constructing several toys for the children of the orphanage," said Capt. Corey Dahlquist, a TF 2-116 personnel officer.

Doyle used old rims and half-shafts from HMMWV's to build two spring toys. He next built a slide to replace the broken one at the orphanage and a 6" swing and swing set using old mud flaps for seats.

He also built a set of monkey bars using scrap steel and half-shafts.

"The soldiers of headquarters company painted all of these items and assisted in the delivery and installation of the toys," said Dahlquist. "The local children in the neighborhood all wanted a chance to try out the new equipment while the soldiers were there installing it. Many of them couldn't wait for it to be installed but just jumped right on."

Helping assess and meet the needs of the community is part of the 116th BCT's mission while deployed in north central Iraq. The unit's mission also includes assisting Iraq's new government, supporting economic development, facilitating communications and improving security and stability in the region.

The 116th BCT is comprised of headquarters and staff sections, two armor battalions, a mechanized infantry battalion, a support battalion, a field artillery battalion, an engineer battalion, and various intelligence, signal, and specialized units. The 116th BCT is one of several Army National Guard units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

• Date Taken: 08.31.2005
• Date Posted: 08.31.2005 17:09
• Story ID: 2881
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ