 Living
A few of the other "Thunder" Soldiers are scattered throughout the 2nd BCT's battle space, offering support roles to other units. "The post is pretty well established, with a lot to offer to the Soldiers during their off time," said Capt. Brian James, automations and communications officer-in-charge, 3-16th FA Regt., and a San Antonio native. COB Adder boasts a huge P/X with additional shops, a large Morale, Welfare and Recreation facility and gym, internet cafés, phone centers, a large dining facility, three cafés, several fast food restaurants, a free laundry and shuttle service, among other amenities. The MWR facility includes a movie room, board games, a video game room, a library with free books, free internet with web camera capabilities, billiards and ping pong tables. The gym also offers an aerobics room in addition to weightlifting and cardiovascular training equipment. The MWR-run internet café offers free internet with web camera capabilities as well as phones that allow Soldiers to call home over the internet. "Most of us have only been here for a couple of days to a week," said Sgt. Christopher Sprayberry, driver, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3-16th FA Regt., "So a majority has not yet explored all that there is to offer when off-duty." "We're also busy settling in and getting equipment and buildings ready for operations," added Sprayberry, a native of Minot, N.D. "The Soldiers are busy and tired, but we're happy to be here after a long time at (Kuwait)." A majority of the battalion Soldiers are living in tents currently, but that should change soon with other units redeploying. "Some of us are sleeping in tents right now, but it's not so bad and we're expecting to move into containerized housing units pretty soon," said Pfc. Andrew Goldsmith, signal support specialist, HHB, 3-16th FA Regt. Nearly 100 Soldiers are currently living in containerized housing units, which mostly comprise the Soldiers staying at COB Adder. Goldsmith said one of the most important things available to him is the use of phones and internet. "It's important to keep in touch with the Families and let them know you're okay," said Goldsmith, from Memphis, Tenn. "It keeps the morale up for Soldiers and their Families." Soldiers have access to shower and latrine trailers, regardless of which base they are located in. "We're solving the issues and conditions, working at them every day, to improve things for (the Soldiers)," added James. |
