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    4th Infantry Division band member keeps division gym in tune

    4th Infantry Division band member keeps division gym in tune

    Courtesy Photo | Soldiers lift weights at the Multi-National Division - Baghdad and 4th Infantry...... read more read more

    BAGHDAD, IRAQ

    05.24.2008

    Courtesy Story

    Multi-National Division Baghdad

    By Spc. April Campbell
    Multi-National Division-Baghdad Public Affairs Office

    CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — Physical fitness is an integral part of every Soldier's duties, and time available to accomplish this vital task is an extremely valuable asset for the Soldiers of Multi-National Division – Baghdad, who have an important mission at hand.

    For a Soldier who plans on working out for and hour or two at the gym, spending that time standing around and waiting for a working machine can be very frustrating.

    One Soldier, Sgt. Jared Bargas, a Houston native, who serves as the training non-commissioned officer-in-charge with the 4th Infantry Division Band, took it upon himself to ensure the Soldiers trying to keep up with their physical fitness do not waste their time waiting at the gym due to broken equipment.

    The Soldiers of the 4th Inf. Div. Band are responsible for maintaining the Division Gym here, and Bargas, as the acting gym NCOIC, made many improvements to the well-used facility throughout the past month.

    "A lot of people come through the division gym every day," said 1st Sgt. Jeremy Smelser, who serves as the band's senior enlisted leader.

    With the constant use and high demand, it can be quite a chore to keep up the gym and ensure the Ivy Division Soldiers have a reliable place to conduct physical fitness training.

    "Equipment gets broken," said Smelser, a native of Killeen, Texas. "It needs repair. Screws need to be tightened. Air conditioners get broken. Lights burn out. It's just a constant upkeep."

    Going into the job, Bargas was not necessarily trained on how to repair work-out machines. However, he demonstrated ingenuity and initiative in his efforts to fix up the gym.

    "Instead of allowing equipment to break and using the excuse of 'I'm not a mechanic,' he took it upon himself to fix the equipment," Smelser added.

    Much of the work was accomplished through Bargas' willingness to simply find out what worked through trial and error. It was a learning process, and the results of his efforts are readily evident to the Soldiers who frequent the gym.

    "By taking apart some of the bikes, I learned what's actually inside," said Bargas. "One of the electronic machines wouldn't turn on. I had no clue about electronics, but I just unscrewed the cover and blew some dust out. I put it back together, and then it worked."

    For those areas where Bargas was unable to personally resolve the issue, he took the time to find the correct channels to facilitate the repairs.

    He used his personal time to talk to Kellog-Brown and Root contractors and set up appointments for them to replace the air conditioners and install new lights. Bargas also went to the nearby Morale, Welfare and Recreation Gym and canvassed the assistance of technicians, who offered to assist him with repairing the equipment.

    His time at the gym is not always exclusively spent working. He also takes advantage of the opportunity to be one of his own customers and enjoys working out on the equipment he helps to mend.

    Although he works in the gym once every eight days, he spends time there working out at the facility five to six times a week. Even when he is there as a customer, he said he tries to ensure the equipment remains functional.

    "I try to check all the equipment as much as possible and fix everything," he said. "It's personally satisfying when people come up to me and tell me the gym looks nice. I know they are thankful for the working equipment."

    Senior leaders also took notice of Bargas' efforts. He was recently recognized as the 4th Inf. Div. Special Troops Battalion's Player of the Week and awarded an Army Achievement Medal.

    In the meantime, Bargas said, much of his efforts will be focused on maintaining the improvements he has already made.

    As the Ivy Division Soldiers continue their efforts to stay physically fit, they can rest assured knowing Soldiers, such as Bargas, are working hard to give them the best possible conditions in which to do so.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 05.24.2008
    Date Posted: 05.23.2008 14:06
    Story ID: 19742
    Location: BAGHDAD, IQ

    Web Views: 293
    Downloads: 273

    PUBLIC DOMAIN