Keeping it cool in the pool

Photo By 1st Sgt. Justin A. Naylor | Pfc. Thomas Bolling, from Zachary, La., a signal specialist with 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, tries to swing across a chain in the pool at the Summer Fun Water Park in Belton, Texas, during a Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers event, July 16.  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

07.16.2010

Story by Spc. Justin A. Naylor 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas— There’s no better way to beat the heat in Texas than with a splash in the pool, and there’s no better time to go to the pool than when you’re supposed to be working.

Single Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, traded in a work day for some fun in the sun at the Summer Fun Water Park in Belton, Texas, July 16, during a Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers event.

It was a great opportunity to build unit cohesion and hang out on a nice day, explained Spc. Duane Cooper, a Calspell, Mont. native and an artilleryman with 3rd Bn., 82nd FA Regt.

While most Soldiers only get the opportunity to see one another during work hours, BOSS events give them a chance to get to know one another in a relaxed environment.

According to Cooper, you actually get to hang out outside of work, and you can see each other as more than just coworkers; you can become better friends.

The event also gave Soldiers a chance to find a fun, new place in the community.

A lot of single Soldiers get off work, sit in the barracks and play video games, explained Spc. Greg Levin, a Baltimore native and an artilleryman with 3rd Bn., 82nd FA Regt.

“[This is] a chance to get single Soldiers out into the community to see what is out there other than just the Army,” he said.

Many young Soldiers don’t take the time to go into the community and have fun, said Levin. BOSS can be the “first foot in the door” that helps them continue to want to get off the post and see the area around them.

Although this was the “Red Dragons” first BOSS event, Soldiers who attended definitely hope it won’t be the last.

“This gives us something to do,” said Levin. “I’d love to do more of this.”

• Date Taken: 07.16.2010
• Date Posted: 07.21.2010 14:52
• Story ID: 53183
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US