BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, July 30, 2004 — Although facilities were in place to encourage academic growth at Bagram Air Base Boys High School, there was no place available to encourage physical well-being.

Looking for a way students would be able to exercise as part of their daily school activities, Principal Dad Kwawda Jahish, Bagram Air Base Boys High School, approached the Republic of Korea Army’s 100th Engineer Group.

“I wanted a way for the children to exercise and knew that the Republic of Korea soldiers would know how to help,” said Jahish.

Soldiers from the unit began constructing two volleyball courts April 26.

“With the help of Task Force Dragon, we were able to get the funding for the project,” said Korean army Col. Kwon, Tae Whan, Republic of Korea 100th Engineer Group commander.

Task Force Dragon donated $2,000 toward the construction at the school, in hopes that if the children stay fit by playing sports now, they will be able to live healthier, happier lives later, said Col. James Boyle, Task Force Dragon commander.

The soldiers of the Republic of Korea Army’s Zaher Company, 100th Engineer Group, with the help of some of the students, completed the two courts just two months later.

“The reason there are two courts is so the teachers and high school students can play on the concrete court,” said Jahish, “while the elementary and middle school students are able to play on the sand court.”

To officially open the courts, members of the Republic of Korea 100th Engineer Group, Task Force Dragon and the school gathered for a ceremony July 17. It was a day of celebration for everyone involved.

Kwon told the crowd these students are a vital part of the nation of Afghanistan.

“It is great to see so many people taking the time to be a part of the ceremony. I have the highest level of gratitude for all who were involved in the (construction of the volleyball courts). Without everyone’s help, this project would not have been a success.”

Jahish also wanted to thank everyone for helping the students of his school.

“I appreciate the Korean support for us in building the volleyball court,” he said. “Seeing the work that has been done here, I can see that the Coalition is making progress in the right direction.”

The Coalition has made a long-term commitment to assist in rebuilding Afghanistan after many years of war, said Kwon. The progress that can be seen throughout Afghanistan shows that the success of Operation Enduring Freedom is not out of reach.

After the ceremony, the Korean engineer team who worked on the volleyball courts and some of the students took part in a friendly game of volleyball.

While watching the game and those around the volleyball court, Jahish voiced his gratitude for the project.

“I appreciate the attention and hard work that the Coalition has put into the school,” he said. “I hope they are able to continue to help the people of this area and the rest of Afghanistan.”