Improving the Foxhole

“In the Infantry you are constantly working to improve you fighting position, that is exactly what we have done here,” said Sgt. Timothy Milo, Task Force 34 Personal Security Detail Noncommissioned Officer In Charge.

 Sgt. Milo has worked constantly on building and improving the work and living areas for the Soldiers of Task Force 34 Headquarters.

Since arriving at Joint Base Balad, Iraq in late August 2008, the Soldiers of TF 34 have been constantly working to improve their working and living areas.  The Soldiers have built everything from office furniture and shelves to a self help center where the Soldiers can go to build things for their offices and living areas.  After the beginning of the rainy season at Joint Base Balad, the Soldiers built walkways to the latrines and, with the help of third country nationals as well as local nationals, built up the housing areas with rocks to prevent flooding.

Soldiers of A Co., 834th Aviation Support Battalion built a bridge at the Fuel and Ammo Resupply Point capable of handling a five-ton truck and two watch towers.  They have also rebuilt their offices to include furniture as well as the rest of their working areas. 

Since arriving in country, the Task Force has spent approximately 30 million dollars on improvement projects according to Maj. David Freberg, Task Force 34 Projects Officer.  This figure does include a new Medevac area where a new landing pad and quarters for the flight crews were built.

“Every deploying unit should keep in mind that projects will need to get done and be aware of what civilian skills the Soldiers are bringing to the table to help with these projects,” said Command Sgt. Major Gery Thesing, Task Force 34 Brigade CSM.

By Sgt. Richard Brown
A Co. 834th ASB Unit Public Affairs Representative
28 Feb., 2009