Hobbies and activities make time go by and keep spirits high

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Erik Schoof, from Milwaukee, Wis., and a Soldier in the 1st Maintenance Company, 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade, uses the Remote Control Racing Park as much as possible. He tries to get to the park at least three times a week, testing the limits of not only his vehicle but that of his skills as well. He wishes there were more people interested in the hobby, but he also gives some words of wisdom to those who might be interested. "This hobby can get expensive and I would advise anyone interested in purchasing a RC vehicle to do your homework." (Photo by 2nd Lt. Vincent L. Lewis)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

10.27.2009

Courtesy Story

13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command (13th ESC)

By 2nd Lt. Vincent L. Lewis

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — Although the Soldiers of Camp Liberty are here conducting missions, there is always time for recreation, which helps relieve the stress and strain of mobilization. There are many recreational activities for Soldiers to get involved with during their free time.

After a long day of work, many Soldiers may begin to ponder what the night may have in store for them. Of course, there is the typical communication that many of the Soldiers engage in because it keeps them in contact with their loved ones, such as, MySpace, Facebook, and Skype. Additionally, many free hours are spent playing video games on systems like the Playstation 3 and XBox.

Besides these activities, dining on a tasty cuisine is a favorite of many of the Soldiers. For example, the personal favorite for Las Vegas, Nev., native, Spc. Johnathan Talley, from 1st Maintenance Company is the Dining Facility's chicken tenders, but he mixes it up with an occasional salad with a good dressing. He admits that eating is one of his favorite moments of the day. "The food here is great. It is much better then what we get back at Fort Riley. The selections are awesome and there is something for everyone," he says.

Good food is only one of the highlights at Camp Liberty. Morale, Welfare, and Recreation offers Soldiers opportunities for fun and games with the billiard tables, table tennis and karaoke to name a few.

However, some Soldiers choose to partake in more unconventional activities. Spc. Erik Schoof, from Milwaukee, Wis., uses the Remote Control Racing Park as much as possible. "This has been a passion I have had for a long time," says Schoof. He tries to get to the park at least three times a week, testing the limits of not only his vehicle but his skills as well. This is Schoof's first deployment and initially, he had mixed emotions about deploying. However, once he discovered there was a RC Park, his emotions quickly turned into excitement. He wishes there were more people interested in the hobby, but he also gives some words of wisdom to those who might be interested. "This hobby can get expensive and I would advise anyone interested in purchasing a RC vehicle to do your homework." Schoof states that he is always ordering replacement parts for his car which can become quite costly.

After a long and stressful day, Spc. Alshawn Magee from Flint, Mich., loves to go outside and unwind on the basketball court. Magee says, "When I get stressed or just need a break I will go and shoot a few jump shots." He says that for a brief moment, he can put his mind at ease and can be anywhere he desires. "This is my stress reliever, whatever problems I may have are nonexistent while I am on the basketball court and for a brief moment I am free." He sends out an open invitation to anyone who would like to play one on one; just show up at the court with your sneakers laced up because he is always up for a challenge.

Spc. Jeffrey Kennedy, a Knoxville, Tenn., native, took time out of his busy schedule to construct a rock climbing wall. The wall, which is made from wood and rubber, spans approximately 10 feet in height and approximately 40 feet in length. Kennedy states, "I wanted something different to do during my down time while deployed." He loves outdoor activities and this is a way for him to escape the daily routine of work. When he scales the wall, he can envision himself back in Tennessee, maneuvering Eagle Mountain. The rock climbing gives him the sensation of pitting himself against the wilderness.

Camp Liberty has plenty to experience while your unit is deployed here. All that is required for you to get going is imagination and a trip to your friendly Mayor Cell to find out if your proposed project is legal.

So while here, do not let monotony consume your free time. Simply use your resources and imagination to liven up your down time during your deployment. Once you get started on your recreational activity, you may find that others share your interest and then you have an opportunity to make friends or acquaintances.

• Date Taken: 10.27.2009
• Date Posted: 11.01.2009 16:58
• Story ID: 40934
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ