A lot of relaxation but not much rest
Many thoughts came to mind for the members of the 1-244th Assault Helicopter Battalion Headquarters Company before deployed to Joint Base Balad in Iraq, but never did we think that we would have all the accommodations of a community center and beyond.
Despite the constant dangers Soldiers face during a deployment to Iraq and especially the danger of indirect fire at “Mortaritaville”, Soldiers are enjoying down time. Located on base is a USO, two completely stocked Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) centers, multiple internet/phone cafes, holiday parties that remind Soldiers of oversized house parties, one indoor and one outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool, a learning center that offers courses for college credit, Green Beans Coffee shops, Taco Bell and a real movie theater.
Throughout the year, the MWR hosts different tournaments and other team sports such as an intramural basketball league and volleyball league. The 1-244th AHB men’s team now holds the basketball title and is promising a repeat on the next go round. A popular down time activity is located within the MWR’s game room, where you will find Soldiers playing “Call of Duty 4®”. Call of Duty 4 is a first-person shooter game where teams or individuals battle it out for bragging rights of being the "most skilled player to ever pick up the controls".
Surprisingly, many DJs are stationed on post. They throw unit level parties, free of charge, that are most often open to people outside their units to attend. For the 1-244th AHB, Maiduguri parties are projected to be sure winners.
SGT Hicks
HHC, 1-244 AHB
Unit Public Affairs Representative
9 Dec., 2008
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