Stryker Brigade News

Now these dispossessed kids can enjoy a form of recreation that U.S. soldiers who live on the other side of the fence don’t have: a full-size lap pool and another containing a few feet of water for waders and non-swimmers.

The youngsters waited several weeks for the pools to open. So did Col. Bob Brown, commander of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis’ second Stryker brigade.

Brown passes within sight of the pools whenever he drives south from the brigade headquarters to visit Forward Operating Base Marez. Since February, he had urged the support battalion to get them filled and opened to the public by the first of May.

The swimming pool project underscores how rebuilding Iraq’s battered civic infrastructure can sometimes feel like treading water. From schools to public health facilities to athletic programs, Iraqis at the local level often balk at making decisions. Instead, they defer to their American patrons who pay most of the bills.

“We’re trying to take a step back and be in the shadows,” said Capt. Dan Welsh, who helped oversee the pool restoration for the support battalion. “We could have brought soldiers in here and rebuilt the whole thing, but all that would have done is encouraged a dependency on American forces.” [...]

Outside on the pool deck, 13-year-old Mohammad Esmail spent more time following around some American visitors than he did playing in the water. One of seven children in his family, Mohammad said he plans to come to the pool every day. If it weren’t open, he said he’d probably go to the Tigris River to cool off.

Meanwhile, Spc. John Brown broiled inside his Kevlar helmet and armor vest while pulling guard duty at the pool. The Stryker soldier said he brought a pair of swim trunks in his duffel bag, just in case.