Al Shula Industrial School Opening

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. Monday, 08-Sep-03 15:55:55