Photo By Sgt. Aaron Leblanc | Soldiers and civilians stationed here enjoy live music at Camp Taji's Mud House, a...... read more read more
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By Maj. Lida Eichenauer
165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – It's a refuge for fellowship and friendship for residents of Camp Taji, and the coffee is good too. It's a place to listen to music, talk and share, play dominos and board games, smoke a really good "stogey", show off your musical talent and forget (if only for a moment) that you are away from family and friends and in a combat zone.
On the corner of Black Knight and 30th Street on Camp Taji, which is known more for dust storms than java, mixed with the sounds of weapons test fires and controlled detonations, the renovated yellow sun-colored building that is home to the Mud House, beckons all to come and relax.
There is a real garden in the front – the bright, proud sunflowers only recently began bowing their heads across from a bed of real grass, lovingly tended by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Tingle of the Special Troops Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade. A large wooden deck and rooftop seating provide lots of room to sit under the stars and watch local talent perform on the stage, the bed of an old truck, resurrected with a coat of new paint and addition of stairs and rails to access it.
Soldiers need a place, an oasis, where they can get away and feel like a human.
As 1st Lt. Chris Sekula, 377th Transportation Company, says "It's just a nice meeting place. The area is big, but is comfortable and not intimidating." He feels it's a good place to go and readjust his perspective from the action and activity of the 165th CSSB tactical operations center where he works. "It's the only place on post with a 'hang out' atmosphere", where you can "meet interesting people and the coffee's good too."
The Mud House was established in June 2007, the vision of two chaplains, Chaplain Troy Morken, 15th Sustainment Brigade, and Chaplain Brandon Moore, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, to serve as a ministry to Camp Taji. An abandoned building was renovated, commercial quality equipment was donated and things started really "brewing". Now managed by 1st Sustainment Brigade chaplains, the regular schedule of activities provides both secular and spiritual activities to attract all.
Music is offered several days a week – from Latin music on Sunday, techno dance music with a DJ on Thursday, karaoke on Saturday, and Cooper on Monday. "Coop" delights the audience with classic and contemporary country selections, including a few he has written himself. Friday night is open mic night, where Soldiers and civilians can show off their skills. Other talents who have participated recently have included classic jazz on a saxophone and comics.
Each Tuesday night, "Steve", Camp Taji cigar expert, shares his knowledge and donated cigars. Wednesday night is just right for personal reflection and study of the Bible.
Whatever is on the schedule for the night, Soldiers stream in and out throughout the evening, whether to stop for a latte, flavored coffee, or just a regular cup of "joe". They also come to get bottles of cold water, soda, and non-alcoholic beer. The shelves are always fully stacked with lots of snacks, cookies, and candy donated from generous people.
Donations are what the Mud House depends on. All the coffee, flavored syrups, cups, and equipment were donated. All the support comes from unit commands, churches, organizations, and individuals from the States. Soldiers and civilians are the volunteer baristas learning new skills such as pulling an espresso or frothing and steaming milk like any coffee shop pro back home. On busy nights, as many as four or five volunteers are needed to keep the coffee ground, packed, pulled, and served to eager customers.
After being a frequent visitor to the Mud House since arriving on Taji, I myself decided to give back and have begun to learn the art of the barista. With Sgt. Michael Theubet, 1st Sustainment Brigade chaplain assistant and "Master Milk Steamer", as a terrific instructor, I was able to provide lots of good coffee to visiting Soldiers and civilians, have a great time, and meet lots of new people. For several months, I thought about volunteering and am so glad I did.
The original chaplains' vision of an outreach ministry based on three C's – connections, community, and coffee - has definitely been fulfilled. The Mud House provides a space to explore new things, make new friends, show off new talent, and relax in a comfortable, fun environment.
| Date Taken: | 08.06.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 08.08.2008 03:36 |
| Story ID: | 22254 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 304 |
| Downloads: | 98 |
This work, Camp Taji's Mud House serves up more than just great coffee, by MAJ Lida Eichenauer, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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