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Al Shula Industrial School Opening
0900 August 19, 2003
The following are remarks made by Lieutenant Colonel Eric Nantz, 1-325
Airborne Infantry Regiment Battalion Commander overseeing the opening of
AlShula School.
I want to take this opportunity to express my excitement
over the completion of this project.
Let me share with you a few facts about this project:
- The
repair cost was $41,000.
- The
project hired over 200 laborers – employing members of the community that
may not otherwise have had a job.
- I am
told that 63 teachers will be employed & 1,400 students will attend
each year – these students are needed to meet the building demands
throughout the country.
- This
is one of 20 school projects currently completed or underway in our local
communities. The total spent or
allocated for these schools is more than $133,000. These projects add not only to the
education of children and young adults but also to the local economy.
Today does not indicate a completion but rather the start of
a new beginning.
This school project demonstrates what can be done with
cooperation and represents a starting point for others to follow.
I am excited about the progress that can now be seen here
and in other areas of our communities.
I hope that this project will encourage not only those assembled here
but also others to join in being a part of the rebuilding of Iraq.
With the resources and talent in this room and throughout
this country I believe the future looks very bright for this community, for
Baghdad and for Iraq.
As we continue to rebuild Iraqi and reduce the presence of
coalition control I am very encouraged by the leadership I see. Those of you in this room are stepping up to
start new systems for all Iraqis - not just the privileged few.
As I stated earlier, I am extremely encouraged by this small
step. I believe it is an indicator of
much bigger and brighter things to come.
I do not believe that the next few weeks or months will be easy - but I
do believe with every ones hard work and God’s help we will succeed.
Thank all of you very much for your dedication and hard
work.
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