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America's North Shore Journal » Entries tagged with "Morale"

USO Opens R&R Oasis in Basrah Desert

June 28th, 2009 | Comments Off

The familiar refrain of “There’s nothing to do around here after work” will hopefully be a thing of the past with the opening of a new center for rest and relaxation. The local United Service Organizations (USO) office and the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) coordinator for 34th Red Bull Infantry Division are teaming up to create an oasis in the middle of the Basrah desert for servicemembers and civilians to escape the pressure of operations. Sarah McConnell, USO director here, said the center, housed in a former dining hall, already has undergone a “soft opening,” meaning there are some services already available. “We have 13 Internet stations set up already, along with 18 phone lines for people to call home,” McConnell said. “Both services are free of charge to anyone who uses … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Military, War on Terror

I Was a Rock Band Roadie in Iraq

March 8th, 2009 | Comments Off

As part of the events and communications team here, I am called upon to be part of base Morale, Welfare and Recreation events. Sometimes these missions are a chore, sometimes they are exciting, but they are always a learning experience. The road crews (or roadies) are the technicians who travel with a band on tour, usually in sleeper buses, and handle every part of the concert except for actually performing the music with the musician. Sgt. Nollette recounts his experience as a roadie during a performance of the rock band Quietdrive at Q-West Feb. 23. I have escorted Indy racecar drivers to the PX (post exchange), watched over Comedy Central comedians as they slept, set up garbage cans and fire extinguishers at a flea market, and provided warming beverages at an early … Read entire article »

Filed under: Military