thedrifter
06-27-07, 08:17 AM
Utilities Marines help improve quality of living
By Lance Cpl. Aaron Rooks, 2nd Marine Logistics Group
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (June 27, 2007) -- They return from a day of walking countless, exhausting miles in the blistering heat of the desert, wearing full combat gear that often weighs more than themselves desiring only a good meal and a roof to sleep under.
Instead, they return to cooled rooms, warm showers, hot meals and even video games and shopping outlets.
When Operation Iraqi Freedom first kicked-off, a good meal and a roof to sleep under were all some Marines could expect. Through hard work and dedication, the utilities Marines of 2nd Marine Logistics Group helped change all that, said Detroit native Sgt. Anthony W. Foster, the utilities operations chief with Utilities Platoon, Engineer Support Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd MLG.
If a Marine was lucky, he slept in a two-man tent with another Marine, Foster said. If a Marine was like everyone else, he didn’t have tents. He had to brave the elements and make the best of it.
According to Foster, living conditions were like that due to the mission at hand. Marine forces immediately moved from Kuwait to Baghdad, Iraq leaving little time to stop at each checkpoint.
“In the beginning, our mission was different,” Foster explained. “There was not enough time for us to worry about living conditions. As Marines, it didn’t bother us. We were just doing what we had to do.”
As the war progressed, Marines began to occupy forward operating bases instead of just defending them. It was around this time that conditions began to change for the better, added Foster.
“Living conditions had to get better because Marines would end up becoming complacent if everyday they just stood watch, went to sleep, and did it all over again,” he said
Then the first theater program, which Utilities Platoon, 8th ESB participated in, was created, marking the first major morale boost, Foster said.
“Everyone’s mood was lifted when we first got the theater up and running,” Foster said. “It was one of the best things that could have happened.”
Over time, (Utilities Platoon) worked more and the conditions became better and better, Foster said. Bases began to feature air conditioned barracks, multi-story post exchanges, cafes, fast food restaurants, phone centers all with power provided by the platoon.
“Marines still go on patrols and provide security daily,” Foster said. “Only now, they return to cool barracks rooms and powered environments. It brings their morale up knowing that they have something to come back to.”
From here, things can only get better, Foster concluded.
Ellie
By Lance Cpl. Aaron Rooks, 2nd Marine Logistics Group
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (June 27, 2007) -- They return from a day of walking countless, exhausting miles in the blistering heat of the desert, wearing full combat gear that often weighs more than themselves desiring only a good meal and a roof to sleep under.
Instead, they return to cooled rooms, warm showers, hot meals and even video games and shopping outlets.
When Operation Iraqi Freedom first kicked-off, a good meal and a roof to sleep under were all some Marines could expect. Through hard work and dedication, the utilities Marines of 2nd Marine Logistics Group helped change all that, said Detroit native Sgt. Anthony W. Foster, the utilities operations chief with Utilities Platoon, Engineer Support Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd MLG.
If a Marine was lucky, he slept in a two-man tent with another Marine, Foster said. If a Marine was like everyone else, he didn’t have tents. He had to brave the elements and make the best of it.
According to Foster, living conditions were like that due to the mission at hand. Marine forces immediately moved from Kuwait to Baghdad, Iraq leaving little time to stop at each checkpoint.
“In the beginning, our mission was different,” Foster explained. “There was not enough time for us to worry about living conditions. As Marines, it didn’t bother us. We were just doing what we had to do.”
As the war progressed, Marines began to occupy forward operating bases instead of just defending them. It was around this time that conditions began to change for the better, added Foster.
“Living conditions had to get better because Marines would end up becoming complacent if everyday they just stood watch, went to sleep, and did it all over again,” he said
Then the first theater program, which Utilities Platoon, 8th ESB participated in, was created, marking the first major morale boost, Foster said.
“Everyone’s mood was lifted when we first got the theater up and running,” Foster said. “It was one of the best things that could have happened.”
Over time, (Utilities Platoon) worked more and the conditions became better and better, Foster said. Bases began to feature air conditioned barracks, multi-story post exchanges, cafes, fast food restaurants, phone centers all with power provided by the platoon.
“Marines still go on patrols and provide security daily,” Foster said. “Only now, they return to cool barracks rooms and powered environments. It brings their morale up knowing that they have something to come back to.”
From here, things can only get better, Foster concluded.
Ellie