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    Deployed service members bring soul to Al Asad

    Deployed Service Members Bring Soul to Al Asad

    Photo By Cpl. Triah Pendracki | Service members and civilians escape the cold and file into the great room at the...... read more read more

    AL ASAD, IRAQ

    12.14.2009

    Story by Cpl. Triah Pendracki 

    II Marine Expeditionary Force   

    AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — Service members and civilians filed into the mood-lit great room at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation center aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, for a night of soul and poetry, Dec. 4.

    Neo Soul Night gave more than 200 audience members the opportunity to get up on stage and share their thoughts and feelings through the art of poetry.

    Some were easily related to the stresses of deployment, emphasizing missed family and friends. Others were lighthearted, referencing one service member's love for chicken and attractive women at the dining facility.

    "I've always liked to write, and when I heard about the event, I decided to give it a shot," said Army Pfc. Derwin Lester, a medic with 47th Transportation Company. "I definitely want to come out again if there is another one."

    Staff Sgt. Urgelio Romain, the staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge of Non-Destructive Inspection at Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26, was one of the main event organizers. He has also helped with other successful events on Al Asad, like the street ball tournaments and bodybuilding competitions.

    Event organizers encouraged all audience members to try their hand at poetry and to give their support to the service members on stage.

    "I was absolutely happy with the reception from the crowd and honestly never expected quite a turn out," said Romain. "I would have to thank everyone who helped me with putting all of this together and also everyone who stepped up to the [microphone] and contributed to the event."

    These types of events give service members the opportunity to let loose and relax in an often stressful environment.

    "I feel that these events are a great morale booster because it allows us to come together and expose the talents that we never get to see," added Romain. "These events help build cohesion and allow us to relax if just for an hour or two, which may be just enough to recharge that battery to get back in the fight."

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 12.14.2009
    Date Posted: 12.14.2009 01:42
    Story ID: 42705
    Location: AL ASAD, IQ

    Web Views: 304
    Downloads: 284

    PUBLIC DOMAIN