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Face of Defense: Soldier Keeps Base Clean, Functioning
Face of Defence ^ | Sgt. Whitney Houston, USA

Posted on 01/14/2009 3:35:01 PM PST by SandRat

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WAR EAGLE, Iraq, Jan. 14, 2009 – A Carbondale, Ill., native serving in Multinational Division Baghdad leads an Iraqi work force here that ensures daily maintenance and improvement for soldiers and others occupying the small northeastern Baghdad base.

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Army Spc. Joseph Cook marks a checklist of tasks to be done daily throughout Forward Operating Base War Eagle, Iraq, Jan. 12, 2009. U.S Army photo by Sgt. Whitney Houston
  

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“My day usually starts out with a handful of work orders that come into the mayor’s cell from throughout the FOB, which usually dictate the day,” said Army Spc. Joseph Cook of the 4th Infantry Division’s Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. “On top of that, we have this rather long checklist of things to be done on a daily basis around the FOB to keep it maintained and keep it running.”

During his time here, Cook said, he has had many opportunities to improve the quality of life for soldiers. “Part of maintaining the FOB is to also trying to find ways to better the lives of those who live on it,” he said.

After being asked about bringing a sporting alternative to the Striker Brigade soldiers, he looked up the regulation measurements of a basketball court and went from there. He was also involved in getting more phones and computers for the morale, welfare and recreation center.

Cook said working with the soldiers here is the best part of what’s been a rewarding tour of duty. And his accomplishments have not gone unnoticed.

“To have him fall into a position where he didn’t have any experience in leadership or management, and to excel at the rate that he did, is nothing short of an accomplishment,” said Army Capt. Walter Zurkowsky, executive officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Troop. “He really has excelled, and has more than proven that he is a capable soldier.”

(Army Sgt. Whitney Houston serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team public affairs office.)
Related Sites:
Multinational Corps Iraq
Click photo for screen-resolution image Army Spc. Joseph Cook jokes with Iraqi employees he supervises as they perform maintenance work on Forward Operating Base War Eagle, Iraq, Jan. 12, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Whitney Houston  
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TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: clean; frwn; functioning; iraq

1 posted on 01/14/2009 3:35:01 PM PST by SandRat
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To: 91B; HiJinx; MJY1288; xzins; Calpernia; clintonh8r; TEXOKIE; windchime; freekitty; A Navy Vet; ...
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2 posted on 01/14/2009 3:35:26 PM PST by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country! What else needs said?)
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