Previous articles have noted that US forces have taken the advantage of the unique opportunities to see once-in-a-lifetime sights while deployed to Iraq.  Another recent trip to the Ziggurat of Ur near Talil, Iraq, highlighted that these trips are certainly not mere MWR outings:

Since the ziggurat was located outside COB Adder, Soldiers convoyed to the site in Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Glenn Bowens, Task Force Double Eagle command sergeant major, said since he worked in Army aviation, this trip was the first chance he had to ride in an MRAP in his career. It gave him a perspective of what other Soldiers in ground units did during their day-to-day operations.

Some of the Soldiers certainly recognize the magnitude of the sights they see:

Indiana Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jesse Bradbury, Task Force 38 chaplain assistant, said visiting Ur during his deployment to Iraq was important in both religious and historical aspects.

“It was a very humbling experience for me to stand in the place where Abraham the ‘Father of the Faithful’ once lived” he said. “It was a complete blessing to have the opportunity to see all of the history that was surrounding me…This could possibly be the area where the Garden of Eden was and where the beginning of monotheism began. There is so much rich history. This is a once in a life time opportunity, and to be able to see and be there is totally incredible.”