Photo By Dustin Senger | Jane Cotter, from Providence R.I., assists service members inside the United Service...... read more read more
CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar — "I've been traveling with my husband throughout his entire 25-year military career," said Jane Cotter, from West Warwick, R.I., while volunteering at the United Service Organization lounge at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, June 23. Col. David G. Cotter received command of Third Army/U.S. Army Central Area Support Group Qatar in July 2007, with his wife Jane at his side. Nearly two years have passed and the colonel is set to relinquish command next month.
"My husband and I have made some wonderful friends here," said Jane, who prepared numerous four-course dinners for ASG-QA Soldiers at their off-post residence; at times, serving over 100 service members in one day. "Camp As Sayliyah is full of professionals with commendable work ethics and a great sense of community. This assignment has been an absolute pleasure; it will be difficult to leave everyone in July."
The Army command sponsorship program allows military families to remain together during extended overseas assignments. Protected under the umbrella of the program, the command agrees to be legally, medically, financially and morally responsible for dependents while joining their spouse in a foreign country.
"When David told me about the tour to Qatar," said Jane, "I immediately went on the Internet to learn more about the country. I saw all the beautiful hotels and malls, as well as the palm trees and bright blue water. I told my family it looked like we were headed to Miami!" Jane previously joined her husband for two assignments in Germany; Qatar is their first Middle Eastern assignment together.
"Qatar is rich in culture and Islamic fundamentals," she said. "It's important to keep an open mind and positive attitude, especially people who have become reliant on a Western way of life. I was thrilled to hear we could bring our two dogs, Penny and Eleanor." Prior to arriving, Jane researched the history of Qatar's royal family, climate, culture and courtesies.
"Soon after David took command, I began volunteering at the USO center three or four days per week," said Jane. "They needed some additional help from the community, so I stepped in." Since she first reported for volunteer duty at the USO, she has spent nearly 1,000 hours helping service members participating in the U.S. Central Command rest and recuperation pass program at the Qatar base. She became well-known for her homemade baked items — in particular, her signature chocolate-chip cookies.
From January 2008 to June 2009, Jane integrated more into the local community by gaining employment with Weill Cornell Medical College Qatar, where she worked in the medical department as a clinical affairs aid.
"We have experienced and enjoyed Islamic culture to the fullest — etching everlasting memories," she said. "I recommend all spouses come to Qatar, if given the opportunity. You can mitigate the stress of long family separations while obtaining a great first-hand cultural understanding of a generous Islamic nation."
| Date Taken: | 06.23.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.23.2009 10:14 |
| Story ID: | 35520 |
| Location: | CAMP AS SALIYAH, QA |
| Web Views: | 551 |
| Downloads: | 419 |
This work, Commander's spouse reflects on two years in Qatar, by SPC Lakia Clarke-Brown, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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