Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080822-08
Aug. 22, 2008

Schools refurbished in Abu T’shir

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers gathered with community leaders for a luncheon to celebrate the summertime renovation and reopening of two schools in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad Aug. 21.
 
 Local leaders from the Abu T’shir community and Soldiers from the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B, met at al Nahreen Primary School for a short discussion, tour of the facility and luncheon.
 
 Lt. Col. Troy Smith, commander of the 7th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt., spoke about the great contributions made by the many contractors.
 
 “This is a great step to work towards the future in Abu T’shir,” Smith stated. “Everybody wants to continue to improve the area.”
The contractors made many improvements on the schools through the summer, such as new furniture, air conditioners and remodeled sewage systems.
 
 Dawood Salman, a civil engineer and manager of the Muath bin Jabal Secondary School, which is equivalent to an American junior high and high school, managed many projects for the school during its 45-day makeover.
 
 “When kids return to the school and see it is in good condition, they will be very happy,” Salman explained. “It also makes the teachers have better lessons for the kids.”
 
 The attendees toured the two schools to see first-hand the improvements made and then had a traditional Iraqi meal to commemorate the school’s success.
 
 “The future is in your hands,” Smith said to local leaders at the luncheon. “I have no doubt the future is bright.”
 
 The two schools are tentatively scheduled to reopen Aug. 25.

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