BAGHDAD — U.S. Soldiers visited the village of Abu Simich to join residents in celebrating the opening of a newly-refurbished school following 30 days of renovations, Dec. 5. Along with completely new wiring and paint inside and out, to include the roof, the once run-down al-Wissam school now has a/c units in every room, light sockets installed, a new septic tank, and a new generator.
"We were tasked with identifying schools in the Radwaniyah area that needed remodeling or additions, and al-Wissam was one that needed significant remodeling," said Capt. Thomas Mills, with the 150th.
Once U.S. forces located the schools identified for remodeling, the bidding process began with local contractors. "We're helping them put money back into their economy, and building rapport with the locals," said Spc. Jason Sizemore, a civil affairs specialist with the 1472nd Civil Affairs Co, attached to the 150th ARS.
Throughout the school's progress, the Soldiers continually evaluated the local contractor's work to ensure project standards were being met. The contractor received payments in increments as his work progressed. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mills conducted his final walk-through of the school to ensure that the project had been completed. "We give them work, check up on them and make sure everything goes according to paperwork," said Sizemore.
Reps from the Iraqi Ministry of Education, politicians from the Nahia counsel, 2 local shaykhs and IA officials said they were very appreciative of U.S. forces playing a vital role in rebuilding the infrastructure of schools. The officials felt that the new school would deny insurgents material for propaganda, said Mills; combating the insurgents argument to local residents that U.S. forces don't provide for basic services. "The contractor went above and beyond," said Mills. "He built a cage around the generator out of his own pocket and outside of the contract."
