Published: November 21, 2009
Greywolf Soldiers Support School Opening in Northern Iraq
By Pfc. Crystal M. O'Neal
2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq - Though their tour in Iraq is quickly drawing to an end, 3rd "Greywolf" Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Soldiers continue working hard to help bring new provisions and improvements to northern Iraq.
On Nov. 17, Greywolf Soldiers showed their devout dedication to their mission in Iraq by finalizing a school-building project that they have been planning, funding and building for approximately 90 days.
The school, which houses approximately 240 boys ranging in ages between 6 and 12, opened during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Jurn, a small village near the northern Iraqi city of Qayyarah.
Captain Duane Mohamad, with Company C, 422 Civil Affairs Battalion currently attached to 3HBCT, said that with all the renovations made, the students would be able to learn in a more productive environment.
Sheik Salih Saber Albadrany and party converse and celebrate with 3HBCT Soldiers after a school opening in Jurn, a small village near the northern Iraqi city of Qayyarah. (Courtesy photo by 1st Lt. Shakir Shinaba, Company C, 3rd HBCT, 1st. Cav.)
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"The school required a substantial amount of attention," said Capt. Mohamad. "One of the biggest improvements was the electricity currently running throughout the school."
The school's principal, Mohammad Hussien Mohammad, expressed his appreciation to the Soldiers' for the project, saying that the children will certainly be excited about the school.
"A lot of things got fixed in the school like the electricity and paint. It just improved a lot positively. The kids will enjoy this when they come here," said the principal.
According to Capt. Mohamad, opening the school definitely helped reinforce Iraq's focus on educating its youth.
"Education is critically important to the advancement of Iraq and this is the first step in ensuring that Jurn develops further through their partnership with the United States, ensuring that when we leave the area, this will be a sustainable project," said Capt. Mohamad.
Captain Nathan Strickland, Company C, 3HBCT, 1st Cav. Div., converses with Sheik Salih Saber Albadrany shortly after a school opening in Jurn, a small village near the northern Iraqi city of Qayyarah. (Courtesy photo by 1st Lt. Shakir Shinaba, Company C, 3rd HBCT, 1st. Cav.)
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Sheik Salih Saber Albadrany cut the ribbon to signify the official opening of the
school during the ceremony and the Greywolf Soldiers ended the event by handing out pens, pencils and other school supplies to excited, awaiting children.
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