BALAD, Iraq - When you're stationed in the middle of Iraq and the workday is over, there aren't many activities to choose from or places to visit.
If you want to have fun, you make your own - and that's exactly what soldiers in the 142nd Engineer Battalion and the 957th Multi-Role Bridge Company are doing.
"MWR" (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) is a very familiar acronym to military personnel. MWR events mean a time of fun, relaxation, and possibly a chance to forget where you are for a short time.
The 142nd Engineer Battalion has been busy arranging activities for its soldiers and the 957th to keep their spirits up and their minds off a far-away home. The soldiers now have the opportunity to be part of an array of activities such as volleyball tournaments, movie nights, a variety of card tournaments (pinochle, spades, and cribbage), horseshoes and karaoke nights.
"Being involved in the activities helps keep your mind off home for a while and develop a lot of great friendships in the battalion," said Spc. Tonya Mahany.
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Not only do the soldiers have the opportunity to participate in the battalion activities, but the neighboring units also get involved.
"I think the activities have been well organized and have brought a lot of interaction between the units," said Sgt. Willie Dotson of the 168th Engineer Group, the 142nd's higher headquarters. "The soldiers here from North Dakota and Minnesota are really nice and I've enjoyed the activities they've arranged a lot."
After the soldiers are done playing a long game of volleyball or an intense card game, they have access to a battalion-run post exchange to pick up a treat or a soda.
"Instead of our soldiers waiting outside in 110 degree weather in a three-hour post PX line, we decided to buy pop and other goodies in bulk; now they don't have to wait at all," said Staff Sgt. Lowell Matthys, who co-manages the 142nd PX with Staff Sgt. Cheryl Heitkamp.
"The mini-PX has been a huge morale boost among the troops, it's convenient and quick," said Staff Sgt. Perry McClellan. "It's probably one of the best MWR assets we have here right now."
