Courtesy Photo | Pfc. Daniel Cook, with 299th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade,...... read more read more
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By Capt. Jacqueline Ralston
BAGHDAD - Seeking to alleviate boredom for off-duty soldiers, the unit ministry team with 299th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division-Center opened what it termed “the battalion living room” at the collection of containerized housing units commonly referred to as ‘Pad 13’ at Camp Liberty, Iraq.
This space, just outside the chaplain’s office, is furnished with couches, a television, and cupboards and shelves which are full of items for soldiers to use. Welcoming everyone who enters is a sign that reads, “Welcome to the Living Room. Keep your language respectful, your attitude positive, and make this a great place to LIVE.”
“We want it to be a safe place for people to come and feel welcome,” said Capt. Diana Crane, chaplain with 299th BSB, 2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div. and a Portland, Ore., native. “We intend for this to be a good place to relax and unwind.”
Crane came up with the idea of renaming the space—previously allotted for Morale, Welfare and Recreation—after listening to a speech by Maj. Gen. Doug Carver, U.S. Army chief of chaplains.
“He said to focus on positive living…so I thought this would be a good way to start,” Crane said.
Crane said she believes that allowing soldiers to have a fun and relaxing place to gather will help to prevent the isolation that can contribute to depression during long periods away from family and support systems at home. Having this space near the chaplain’s office means that she is available to provide support and counseling for soldiers when they deal with difficult situations that may arise during this deployment.
When the chaplain is not available in the Living Room, the space is staffed with an “Internet watch” soldier, a duty shared throughout the battalion. This soldier has responsibility for keeping the room tidy, greeting people as they come through the door and is the guardian of the television’s remote control.
Crane and her assistant, Spc. Ernestina Nyarko, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 299th BSB, 2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div., said they intend to add a video gaming system, a DVD player and some upbeat artwork to increase the room’s appeal.
The room already contains computers and phones that allow overseas connections so soldiers can have contact with their loved ones, which is free on the Internet and with only minimal cost on the phones.
There is a hot beverage bar with a variety of teas, coffees and cocoa to help soldiers stay awake and warm up on cooler mornings, and there is a refrigerator full of cold beverages for hot afternoons. Crane said a favorite item is a popcorn popper that is filled with buttery, movie-style popcorn every day, which is a big attraction for soldiers to come in and have afternoon snacks. There are hygiene supplies and a variety of snacks available for soldiers to take as needed. A cupboard full of games and shelves full of books and magazines complete the atmosphere of a homey, living space where anyone can come and hang out with friends.
In addition, soldiers know they can come in and find support and encouragement from the unit ministry team whenever it is needed.
“I like that soldiers come to visit throughout the day,” Crane said. “It gives me a chance to see people and assess how they are doing.”
| Date Taken: | 12.08.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.02.2011 15:11 |
| Story ID: | 62895 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 295 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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