Supporting our schools and our nation

From Issaquah to Iraq—Facilities to Fallujah—and back again:   The District welcomed Petty Officer Brian Hunt back to his job as Facilities Services Maintenance Supervisor in April following a 9-month deployment.

"I was honored to be given the opportunity to be just a small part of what is happening overseas," Hunt said.

He left with Naval Construction Battalion 18 in July 2006 to train in Gulfport, Miss., for 10 weeks before heading to a base camp in Fallujah, just west of Baghdad. His primary role was to directly support Marines by repairing bridges, roads, and water systems; running convoys to transport personnel and materials; and creating protection for facilities.

"My time in Iraq was the fastest six months I have ever experienced," Hunt said. "We were so busy that I never once had even the slightest feeling of boredom."

When he returned home on March 30, 2007, he spent several weeks with his wife and two children. Then it was back to work on April 11! While Issaquah schools might be a world away from Iraq, there are some definite similarities, Hunt said, such as the "outstanding group of dedicated professionals" he works with every day. Plus, he uses the same strategic problem-solving and tactical construction skills to keep District facilities in top shape.

Hunt said he was proud to have his relatively new coworkers (he was hired just four months before deployment) fill in so capably for him while he was away; his coworkers say they are proud to have been able to support Hunt while he served his country.

Hunt is now working on some long-term goals.

One is settling into his position.

"I look forward to a long career with the Issaquah School District," he said.

Another is revisiting Iraq in better circumstances.

"I have been in that region of the world on three occasions, and the people, the land, and the history have always fascinated me," Hunt said. "At this time the country is not a popular tourist destination, but I would like to return when it is more stable to experience the culture, the food, and the country's significant historical value."