DOHA, Qatar – More than 300 U.S. service members and civilians celebrated the 235th U.S. Army birthday in Qatar during a ceremony, June 17, inside a ballroom at a prominent local hotel.
U.S. soldiers in Qatar have consistently observed their organization’s birthday at Camp As Sayliyah. The U.S. Army base is located a few miles outside Doha, the Gulf country’s capital and most populated city. A committee expends tremendous efforts, year after year, to transform a recreational warehouse with concrete floors and bay lighting into an elegant ballroom – but planning for the 235th birthday led to something special.
For the first time ever, the Army birthday celebration moved from on-post temporary structures to a luxury hotel in Doha, one of the world’s fastest growing cities. Qatari leaders expect an astonishing 16-percent growth in gross domestic product in 2010-2011, as predicted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani during an investment forum in March.
Army ball ticket prices doubled this year with the change in venue, despite a modest fundraising effort in March, when several senior officers allowed junior soldiers to slap them with whip cream pies. However, the cost of admission dropped significantly for Central Command rest and recuperation pass program participants.
The selected hotel is nestled in the exclusive West Bay Lagoon, where warm Gulf waters brush up against a 235-slip marina. A warm Arabic theme was arranged inside a 12,000-square-foot ballroom with multicolored carpeting and textured walls. Eight crystal chandeliers glistened from a 21-foot high ceiling; numerous spotlights supplemented their radiance.
“This is the most expensive hotel I’ve ever been inside,” said Spc. Caitlin Butterfield of Bothell, Wash., who was excited about forgoing the combat uniform in favor of formal attire. “It’s a good variety… it’s better than being on post all the time.”
Guests at 49 tables stood as color guard soldiers marched with flags of the United States, Qatar, U.S. Army and Third Army/U.S. Army Central Area Support Group Qatar. A loud rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” broadcasted from the ballroom’s built-in sound system. A chaplain’s invocation preceded audience toasts, and then a narrator’s description of the Army’s flag and campaign steamers.
Maj. Gen. Randy Manner, Third Army deputy commanding general, was the evening’s featured speaker. Manner thanked soldiers for their commitment and their family’s support. He said “you rock,” while explaining that military service is a respected career choice. Lastly, the general said “strive to become a better man or woman,” and “return home a stronger soldier – physically, spiritually and mentally.”
Hotel food servers provided a buffet-style meal from the ballroom’s adjacent foyer. A pasta station complemented an assortment of cuisines, such as poached chicken served on bulgur salad; blackened hammour fish filets with fruit salad; and crab cakes with remoulade sauce.
“A lot of us would have never celebrated an Army birthday like this – especially in the Middle East,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Wayne Niehus of Reading, Pa. He had retired after 21 years of service in 1991, but returned to Army active duty earlier this year. Niehus, 58, cut the birthday cake with 19-year-old Butterfield, in recognition of the oldest and youngest soldiers in attendance.
Closing remarks converted the front stage into a dance floor. The lights dimmed for a disc jockey and live band. The soldiers mingled until midnight, before completing their 235th birthday ball in Qatar.
| Date Taken: |
06.17.2010 |
| Date Posted: |
06.18.2010 15:48 |
| Story ID: |
51624 |
| Location: |
DOHA, QA |
| Web Views: |
554 |
| Downloads: |
341 |
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