Photo By Shanita Simmons | Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alice Brooks waters native plants that she's cultivating...... read more read more
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By Spc. Shanita Simmons
Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – For months, one Navy petty officer has enjoyed the warm semi-arid environment that troopers experience in Guantanamo Bay. When she got tired of gazing at the same lackluster scenery outside her room in Cuzco Barracks, she decided it was time to add a little color to her life, as well as to the lives of those who live around her.
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alice Brooks, a yeoman with the Joint Task Force, managed to transform a barren area near her room into a vibrant garden of indigenous plants, twirling objects and other garden art. Brooks, who enjoys exercising, sewing, knitting and crocheting, said she hopes those who see the striking vegetation that she planted in brightly colored flower pots will feel the serenity she does on a daily basis.
"When I come out here, I enjoy just gazing at the garden, daydreaming and watching things grow," said Brooks. "If you go into an area where there is something pretty to look at, it gives you hope and makes you feel good about life."
Although Brook's primary responsibility here is helping to prepare correspondence and awards for JTF personnel, anyone who notices the way she has used rocks, colored cement blocks, hanging butterflies and frogs to decorate her garden would think she has a background in landscaping.
Brooks, who appreciates the effects a beautiful garden can have on people, has been creating gardens for years and received "Yard of the Month" recognition while stationed in California and Tennessee.
During her 17 year Navy career, Brooks said she used various themes when creating her gardens. While stationed in Washington state and Hawaii, she created gardens where she planted a variety of herbs such as basal, oregano and curry. Brooks added that her most attractive gardens have included bulbs and perennials. Although she does not have a background in botany, Brooks has always had a knack for picking plants that will grow within various environments.
"Some people like to go to museums and to the city, but my husband and I like to visit botanical gardens," said Brooks, who has served four and a half years as a Navy reservist thus far. "I believe that anyone who works well with their hands should use the gift that God has given them. No matter where I have traveled during my military career, I made sure not to stifle my gift."
Producing a beautiful garden is not Brooks' only accomplishment during her deployment. She has completed an associate's degree during her 10-month stint here, and she is looking forward to pursuing a bachelor's degree in business management. Brooks, who resides in the San Diego area with her husband, believes that her greatest accomplishment has been her ability to successfully balance her military career and family life, which includes raising two daughters and a son.
Although the military has taken Brooks many places, she mentioned that her love for nature and her family has remained constant. She credits much of her success to her husband, a merchant mariner for the past 28 years, who has stood by her side throughout her career.
When Brooks leaves Guantanamo Bay later this year, she is looking forward to reuniting with her family. However, she will miss the exquisite serenity she discovered while living on the island. She will have to leave her beautiful garden behind, but she expects that others will continue her legacy by maintaining the plants and landscape she's worked so diligently to cultivate.
| Date Taken: | 03.10.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 03.11.2008 09:15 |
| Story ID: | 17234 |
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| Web Views: | 349 |
| Downloads: | 282 |
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