Improving...Always Improving...

Afternoon...

Do you ever think about the living conditions at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) where your warrior is living, when they are not out at the Combat OutPost (COP)? I do...

The info hounds tipped off a great story on the work the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Regimental Engineering Corps is performing to improve FOB Warhorse. Spend some time with the story and note the commitment put forth by these men and women in the engineering corps to take care of our warriors who call FOB Warhorse home.

Hmmm, the more I blog about the 2nd SCR the more I see just how special this unit is...they always go above and beyond in everything they do. The desire to leave their location better than they found it is a powerful statement for those who come behind them. This goes for their combat operating area and living quarters...we can learn a lot from watching how these warriors conduct business.

I don't know about you but I am so proud to tell my family, friends and acquaintances that my son is serving with the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment in Iraq. Tell me what you think...

Enjoy the article and then take a look at a video clip produced by Sgt Christina Harwell on the 4th of July "Fun Run" at FOB Warhorse. Talk about commitment...a 5k run in what had to be scorching heat...maybe you will see someone from the 2nd SCR you know.

By Spc. Ryan Elliott
14th Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq - The electric buzz of construction equipment and clouds of dust have become common fixtures around Forward Operating Base Warhorse located in Diyala, Iraq, as the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Regimental Engineering Corps, undertakes multiple construction projects to better troop’s living conditions.

“When we arrived at FOB Warhorse there was a lot of work to be done,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Victor Martinez, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.

With an ambitious goal set, the Regimental Engineering Corps set out to build upon the existing foundation of security and conditions around the FOB.

“One of our primary focuses in the construction projects is to improve living conditions for soldiers,” Martinez said.

Sticking to this focus, one of the first projects undertaken was the expansion of the Cash Gym, which nearly tripled the gymnasium in size and in the amount of equipment made available to 2nd SCR soldiers.

Improvements have also been made to the food court area that will allow for more shade for Soldiers.

There are a wide range of other diverse construction projects occurring across the FOB.

“A majority of the projects are to fix neglected issues,” said Capt. Michael Wigton, Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and FOB Mayor Cell commander.

“We are moving truck loads of gravel around to try to help keep the dust down on the roads,” Wigton said.

Another construction project currently under way is a range that will allow 2nd SCR soldiers to zero, qualify and practice firing in a safe environment up to Army standard.

Two other focuses are environmental and waste management as well as security, Martinez said.

There are plans to install two incinerators to minimize the amount of trash that is being buried, Wigton said. There is also a contract to recycle the acres of scrap metal at the dump.

“A lot of the sand bags and barriers on the FOB have been here sense Operation Iraqi Freedom One,” Martinez said. “So we are replacing them with concrete which is cleaner neater and safer for soldiers,” Martinez went on to say.

“We want to make FOB Warhorse a better place for Soldier to live,” Martinez said. “We want to leave Forward Operating Base Warhorse better than how we found it for the next group of Soldiers who come.”

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4th of July Fun Run at FOB Warhorse




Chris, thanks for the phone call and note yesterday - it made our 4th! We love you buddy!

Be safe!

v/r,
- Collabman