Photo By Spc. Jason Jordan | A crowd of 1/10th Mountain Division Soldiers and other onlookers, give their attention...... read more read more
By Pfc. Jason Jordan
1st BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div.
BAGHDAD - The land of Iraq is full of history dating back thousands of years. For most of its historic past, the area now known as Iraq was equivalent to the ancient Mesopotamia.
Many dynasties and empires ruled the Mesopotamia region including, the Sumer, Akkad, Assyria and Babylonia. The rich culture and colorful past still inspires the minds of Iraq's modern leaders and the palaces they called home.
Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, recently were provided an opportunity to learn of Iraq's more recent history " opening their minds and expanding their curiosity on its eventful past.
Ten Soldiers went on what the brigade hopes is the first of several tours to explore the palaces and underground bunkers of Camps Victory and Slayer.
"We wanted to give the Soldiers a chance to learn about the history of the country they are fighting to free," said Capt. Young Kim, chaplain, 1st BCT. "Iraq is a very historical land, and the chance to experience it is exciting to the Soldiers."
The chaplains for each battalion, and their assistants, organize the tour two weeks in advance. The units are contacted with dates and available slots " and the sections send back names of interested Soldiers.
Other key members involved in the process were the Headquarters and Headquarters Company first sergeant and the brigade command group.
The tour lasted for three hours and visited the Victory Over America palace, the palace of Saddam's son Uday, the Baath palace and presidential underground bunkers.
The buildings are mostly destroyed from the beginning strikes of the war " safety is practiced throughout the day.
"I love sightseeing and learning about history," said Spc. Joalice McKenna, HHC. "I really loved the tour. I thought it was awesome."
The role of the brigade chaplain is broader than most might think, said Kim.
Among their numerous duties is to advise the commander on morale-boosting activities, provide religious support throughout the brigade, supervise the six battalions of the 1st BCT, monitor the Command Master Religious Program and provide ways for Soldiers to release tension in positive ways.
"We just felt these tours were a great way for Soldiers to get away from their normal routines and learn about some exciting history with their fellow Soldiers," Kim said.
Tours were received with enthusiasm, and Soldiers participating were curious about what they saw before them.
"These tours have been a great learning experience since we began them," said Capt. Jason Snelgrove, facility manager and tour guide, 17th Field Artillery Brigade. "We get a lot of questions about the architecture and how many people were inside when the strikes by Coalition Forces began."
After action reports by the Soldiers revealed very positive outlooks of the day. The Soldiers were glad to get out of the office and learn new things.
"The Soldiers really loved the tour, and I believe it was a real stress relief for them as well," said Kim. "I love being able to provide them with such opportunities. It is a real privilege."
| Date Taken: | 02.27.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 02.27.2006 09:30 |
| Story ID: | 5525 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 243 |
| Downloads: | 111 |
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