Roller skating in Djibouti Boosts Morale, Fun Way to Exercise

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Tyler Wilson | U.S. Service Members from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, skate around the Thunder dome basketball court at the first ever 70-80s Skating Jam, May 21. The event was coordinated by Petty Officer 2nd Class Carlo Noid as a way to boost morale and promote physical fitness in a friendly environment.  

CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI

05.25.2010

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Tyler Wilson 

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

This idea started three months ago when U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Carlo Noid started skating around the basketball court as a personal way of exercising, and has grown into a camp wide event.

"I was really just looking for a way to exercise and stay out of trouble," said Noid. "Three months ago I started skating by myself, and then each Friday there would be more people showing up to join me skating, and this is what we have now."

The event wasn't just for those with skates; a large group came out to enjoy the music and support those skating.

"Everybody loves the idea," said U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Danielle Pier, skater. "We're getting people who don't know how to skate or who don't have skates still coming out and enjoying each other's company and the music. It's like a block party back at home."

Part of the appeal of the skating jam is its tie to loved ones back at home said Noid.

"At home we all skate as a family," said Noid. "And in order to keep that connection with them while I'm deployed here in Djibouti I practice and try to skate as often as possible so I can rejoin them when I get back and it will be like I never left."

At the end of the day, many deployed service members are just looking for an escape from the working day and the skate jam provides that.

"This whole event just makes me feel free," said Noid. "I work long hours here in a forward deployed area and it can get pretty stressful, but because of skating I have something fun every week to look forward to that brings a little bit of home here."

• Date Taken: 05.25.2010
• Date Posted: 05.25.2010 07:29
• Story ID: 50232
• Location: CAMP LEMONNIER, DJ