Off-post sponsor boosts respite program success

Photo By Dustin Senger | U.S. Central Command rest and recuperation pass program participants listen to Fatima Al Hamadi explain exhibits at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, Dec. 20. The museum first opened its doors to visitors on Dec. 1.  

DOHA, QATAR

12.20.2008

Story by Dustin Senger 

Area Support Group - Qatar

By Dustin Senger
Area Support Group Qatar

DOHA, Qatar – U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Otis Walker, from Miami, Fla., sponsored five service members, each participating in the U.S. Central Command rest and recuperation pass program, to travel off the U.S. military installation in Qatar, Dec. 20. Walker maintains a reputation as the person to call when troops want to leave the confinements of Camp As Sayliyah, to absorb the prolific Arabic atmosphere found in the Gulf state.

Since 2004, over 175,000 USCENTCOM war fighters have participated in the respite program in Qatar. Several group shopping and cultural tours are offered, but an off-post sponsor provides a more personalized experience. According to program officials, Walker has sponsored nearly 80 trips off the Qatar base since March. Over recent months, he volunteers more sponsorship hours than anyone on the installation.

"They know to call me when the R&R desk gets really crowded with people trying to go off post," said Walker. "It depends on my work day, but when they call, I know they're desperate." According to Walker, he also makes an effort to support tenant units requiring sponsorship to travel off post.

Walker's off-post activities do not distract him from meeting mission requirements on the installation. In December 2007, he became the Area Support Group Qatar non-commissioned officer in charge of the Camp As Sayliyah transportation motor pool. He is responsible for hundreds of non-tactical vehicle distribution plans and three vehicle lease contracts. Walker must respond to any accident involving government vehicles. Furthermore, he implemented a revised driver's training program for installation residents.

"I ask people what they want to do – what they have heard about – and I always attempt something cultural. I try and show a different side of Qatar; which, if anything, gives everyone a little more to brag about. If people were only able to take pictures of shopping areas, they'd miss out!"

Walker's trip started with the Qatar Museum of Islamic Art. The museum first opened its doors to visitors, Dec. 1. The buildings strong elegant design is nestled within the Gulf coastline; creating a vivid contrast of colors, from the warm desert sand to the cool ocean waters. The museum holds fragments of Islamic history, such as manuscripts, textiles and ceramics. Many exhibits originate from Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, Iran and India.

"The Qatar Emir gave the architect unlimited funding to build this museum," said Army Pfc. Anthony Arnette, from El Paso, Texas, after listening to an explanation of the construction of the museum. Arnette was on pass from Kuwait, participating in the USCENTCOM respite program in Qatar. "It's amazing how everything is put together – it's very creative! Especially the way the dome on top looks like it's spinning as the sun hits the different shapes during the day."

"The Book of Secrets shows the foundations of everything we have in our mechanical world today," said Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer Jeff Moxley, from Louisville, Ky., on pass from Iraq. "It proves they had a real thought process for how to do things." The 11th century manuscript describes more than 30 machines and devices – many not seen in Europe until after the 13th century. "It has diagrams of battering rams, and even how to keep water cool. The ancient artifacts found in the United States often date way back to cavemen times. The things out here are more relevant to our era, with religious significance."

After departing the museum, the group elected to go shopping in one of Qatar's most popular malls and then journey through the gold shops. The evening ended with a dimly lit dinner in a Moroccan restaurant.

"I didn't know what to expect... but camel meat is delicious!" said Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matthew Shimmel, from Phillipsburg, Pa., on pass from Iraq. Shimmel decided to try the Arabic delicacy while the possibility presented itself. "I don't know when I'll have an opportunity to have it again. The meat's texture is like prime rib but I can't compare the taste to anything – I liked it!"

"This is the first time I have really enjoyed myself since I have been in the military," said Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kerby Telemaque, from Coral Springs, Fla., while on pass from Iraq. "Seeing and getting involved in the culture helped me understand Islamic society. I never expected all the similarities and I feel they know our culture. This is a recharge that gives us experiences to talk about for a lifetime."

"I was here trying to travel off post in 2006," said Walker. "The guy who sponsored just dropped us off and left. My friend and I said, 'if we ever get stationed here, we'll take the time to show people things.' A little more than a year later, I was stationed in Qatar."

"I tell everyone: 'if you're having a bad day, go sponsor the R&R,'" said Walker. "After you hear stories about Iraq and Afghanistan, you realize there isn't much to complain about here. For me, it's about them. I take pictures of all the groups I sponsor and meet new friends every day."

• Date Taken: 12.20.2008
• Date Posted: 12.21.2008 09:57
• Story ID: 27964
• Location: DOHA, QA