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Nations unite after duty hours

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Alejandro Licea | A German player blocks a spike from a Jordanian front-lineman during the recent...... read more read more

09.21.2005

Courtesy Story

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Story and photos by U.S. Army Sgt. Alex Licea
Combined Joint Task Force-Bright Star/ Third U.S. Army Public Affairs Office

MUBARAK MILITARY CITY, Egypt (Sept. 21, 2005)-A sand pit with two metal poles, a few trash canisters and some discolored plants may not sound like much of a relaxing hangout location after work. But with a little imagination, a couple of ropes and some industrial tape, even the dullest area can become an eye-catching spectrum for sport and activity.

This Egyptian version of New York's Central Park can be found at MMC's housing complex where coalition troops from Egypt, Germany, Jordan, Kuwait, the Netherlands and the United States currently reside during this year's Bright Star exercise.

The surrounding area is now the place to be after work with the main attractions being some pick-up volleyball games with coalition troops or just a casual conversation at the local snack bar.

On this day, the cheers were thundering as Soldiers from Germany matched up against troops from Jordan.

Dutch soldier second class Steve Van Danhaag, a Netherlands Army cook, witnessed the game while in progress.

"This is great to see," he said. "Two countries coming together in a friendly game of volleyball is something worth watching."

Both German and Jordanian spectators, along with other nation's service members, cheered from their fellow countrymen in uniform; but as the game progressed, Jordanian troops began to cheer and support the German soldiers.

German Staff Sgt. Kay Doldde, an infantry/cook soldier and native of Frankfurt, spoke about the thrill of foreign soldiers cheering for his team.

"I was very surprised but excited when I heard the Jordanian soldiers start cheering for us," said the 22-year-old soldier. "This is where you truly get to know people from other nations and cultures."

His friend German Cpl. Benjamin Levge, who at the time was speaking with a Jordanian soldier, was trying to learn some simple words in Arabic.

"I love to learn any phrases I can," he said. "This is learning for free."

The series ended with Jordan sweeping the Germans four games to none; but regardless of the victory, Jordan and Germany displayed a spirit of friendship and goodwill when the two teams met at center-court exchanging hands and congratulating each other for a game well played.

Not far from the volleyball court is the small snack court offering troops a variety of chips, sodas and local sweets. Around the area are sets of tables and chairs where service members from all nations gather around and play a game of cards or just enjoy each other's company.

"I have learned so much from other nations, especially Jordan and the Netherlands." said U.S. Army Sgt. Jason Luna, who is a Third U.S. Army communications specialist based out of Fort McPherson, Ga., deployed in support of the multi-nation exercise. "This environment (after work hours) is the best way to get to know other people from different nations.

"I love playing cards and talking to everyone," he said. "It's like a U.N. meeting but with no politics. It is just an overall great experience you can't get anywhere else."

His co-worker, U.S. Army Spc. Kenneth Geitz, also assigned to the Third U.S. Army out of Fort McPherson, Ga., couldn't agree more.

"This atmosphere is like a virtual history class," said the California native. "This is like nothing I have ever experienced."

Eleven nations and more than 30,000 troops are participating in this year's Bright Star exercise. All branches of the U.S. military, along with their international counterparts, are participating in the training, which is designed to share tactics and increase regional security cooperation. The exercise runs through Oct 3.

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