FORT HOOD, Texas – Even before their year-long deployment to Afghanistan, the rumor-mill amongst the soldiers of the 615th Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division spoke of the possibility that they would be moved off of West Fort Hood and into new barracks, and when they returned, the rumors proved false as the soldiers were brought back to barracks similar to those left behind.
However, the soldiers of the 615th ASB, shortly after their return, were issued key cards to their new rooms, becoming the first battalion of the Air Cav to move into the newly built barracks the east side of Fort Hood, July 20.
“It seems that they are very eager to move into their new rooms,” said Sgt. Kevin Schoonmaker, a native of Van Etten, New York and a barracks manager within the 1st Sergeants Barracks Management Program for the 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st ACB.
Schoonmaker explained that while the barracks were brand new and completely furnished, having the rooms in top condition is not the only benefit the soldiers have with the new housing.
“I think one of the best parts about this transition is that these soldiers are finally getting a place they can take a breather in, just kick back and relax a little bit, and not have to move around anytime soon,” Schoonmaker added.
Pfc. Ishmael El, a motor transport operator for A Company, 615th ASB, signed for his key and was pleased with his new accommodations.
“There’s a stove, the bathroom’s nice, even the closet looks better than the old barracks,” elaborated El, a Philadelphia native. “This place is like a hotel room. There’s a lot more space here than my old room; you can do a lot of things with this room.”