Third Brigade Soldiers get new "gathering place" at remote Forward Operating Base Bernstein

Photo By Sgt. Michael Alberts | Pfc. William Lishego, Spc. Crispin A. Abad Jr., Pfc. Ryan Rathbun), all with the 25th Infantry Division's 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, work on framing the roof during renovations to the dining facility at Forward Operating Base Bernstein outside of Tuz, Iraq, Oct. 22.  

10.22.2006

Story by Spc. Michael Alberts 

3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

by Spc. Mike Alberts
3rd BCT, 25th Inf. Div PAO

TUZ, Iraq – For many growing up, family time was spent gathered around the dinner table talking about the day's events. Often, it was the only time the family interacted. Now, third brigade Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Bernstein have such a "gathering place" for their military family.

Soldiers stationed at FOB Bernstein received a new dining facility at their remote outpost outside of Tuz, Iraq, Oct. 23 as a result of the generosity and labor of a few of their brothers-in-arms.

"When we arrived in Iraq I discovered that Soldiers down at FOB Bernstein didn't have an acceptable place where they could all eat together," said Chief Warrant Officer Jeffery P. Lein, brigade food advisor, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "I decided right then that my first mission would be to renovate the [dining facility] to give them a place to commune," said Lein.

"While at war, the ways that you can improve a Soldier's quality of life is through mail, laundry and food," he continued. "My objective is to improve Soldier's quality of life any way that I can, and I can have an impact with the food."

Lein initially attempted to get facility contractors and the Army Corps of Engineers to take an interest in the renovation project. However, both were too busy with other projects to make it a priority.

"The project fell to me," said Lein, who grew up working in and around Kinson, North Carolina with his father, who owns a construction company. After a month of coordination and brigade support, Lein eventually collected the tools, equipment, supplies and volunteer Soldiers necessary to get the job done.

Renovation work began the moment Lein and his team arrived at FOB Bernstein at 3:30 a.m. Six long days later, the project was complete. When the dust settled, Lein's team had constructed an exterior patio dining facility that improved seating from 18 to 118. They installed a new plumbing system, sanitation centers, loading docks, above-ground water tanks to improve dishwashing capabilities, and ramps to improve access to storage and refrigeration systems.

"When we got here we were using a large water sack that required a separate power source and a hose to get water to where you needed it," said Pfc.Christopher McCoil, food service specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 325 Brigade Support Battalion, 3IBCT. "We now have an above ground water tank that provides running water straight to our kitchen and sanitation center, which makes keeping things clean much easier," said McCoil.

McCoil's supervisor, Spc. Jeffrey Gale, HHC, 325 BSB, agreed that the new facility would improve his ability to provide quality meals to Soldiers.

"Ramps from our storage containers make things much easier and less stressful," said Gale. "I was deployed to Iraq before and worked for other warrant officers. They were good guys, but they were not like Chief [Lein]. They didn't get their hands dirty like he does," said Gale. "Chief busts his butt with his Soldiers, and the results [speak for themselves]."

Lein's ultimate goal was to create a space where everyone on the FOB could gather and eat together. "There is something to be said for that one place where you can sit, relax and eat a meal together as a unit. Now, this unit has that gathering place" said Lein. "I am really proud of my team. They poured their hearts into this project."

Lein's team included Pfc. William Lishego, Pvt. Zachary J. Ferroni, Spc. Crispin A. Abad Jr., Spc. Renwick Salvador, Spc. Christopher R. Borch, Spc. Joseph Beavers and Pfc. Ryan Rathbun.

• Date Taken: 10.22.2006
• Date Posted: 11.15.2006 13:50
• Story ID: 8283