The flight line's little known secret

Photo By Monica K. Guthrie | Pfc. Nikki-Marie Quitugua, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation takes on Combat Aviation Briagde Commander Col. Daniel Ball in a game of ping pong, Jan. 16 at the CAB flight line, Baghdad.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

02.11.2008

Story by Spc. Monica K. Guthrie 

3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division

Pfc. Monica K. Smith
3rd CAB, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – All work and no play can wear Soldiers out. To combat stress and mental fatigue, the Combat Aviation Brigade set up a morale, welfare and recreation center at the CAB flight line, allowing Soldiers a place to relax.

"If you have free time it's better to not waste it and the MWR gives us the opportunity to work out or read and have a place to relax while at work," said Spc. Christina Schaller, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment.

The flight line MWR tent is split in two. One side houses a weight room where Soldiers can work out with four workout machines, two stair masters, bench press or free weights. In addition, there are jump ropes and stability balls. Because physical training uniforms cannot be worn on the flight line,

PTs cannot be worn to the MWR. However, Soldiers have the option of changing into PTs in a nearby changing room before starting their workout.

"It is important we maintain our physical fitness standards while deployed," said CAB Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Stidley. "Soldiers who work at Camp Striker have the luxury of working out during their meal times at the MWR North or South. We provided that same opportunity to the majority of our Soldiers who work at the flight line. We even housed it in the old dining facility which stands next to the current DFAC, making it that much more accessible to Soldiers with a few extra minutes before going back to work."

The opposite side of the MWR tent houses a movie room where Soldiers can relax and watch any of 50 movies available or catch up on the news. A ping pong table is available along with three acoustic guitars, one electric guitar and a shelf full of board and card games.

The MWR is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and serves both Soldiers and civilians. In addition, the center hosts special events such as spades and poker tournaments. Despite these attractions, Schaller, who sits at the MWR front desk, says the crowd is small.

"I think the most I've seen in here was 15 people," Schaller said. "And that was with people working out, playing ping pong, playing the guitar and I think some people were watching a movie. Most people don't know the MWR is here."

Stidley says he hopes Soldiers take advantage of the MWR facilities at the flight line.

"Soldiers need the opportunity to break from the monotony within our 12-hour shifts," Stidley said. "Here, Soldiers can take a physical and mental break and come back to work refreshed. They have to take advantage of what's available to them."

• Date Taken: 02.11.2008
• Date Posted: 02.12.2008 15:28
• Story ID: 16288
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ