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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- Major Elias Gonzalez, 595th Transportation Brigade, leads the runners during the Veterans Day 5K run at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, November 11, 2017. Gonzalez finished first with a time of 18:00. (U.S. Army photo b...

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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- Soldiers from Area Support Group Kuwait pose for a photo after the Veterans Day 5K, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 11, 2017. Participants received a free t-shirt at the completion of the race. (U.S. Army photo by ...

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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- First Lt. Keerstin Beitter, 49th Theater Gateway, Alaska National Guard, prepares for her 105-pound power clean during her hero workout on Veterans Day, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 11, 2017. (U.S. Army photo by...

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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- Sergeant Christopher Suitt, right, and Sgt. Daniel
Reyes, left, from Fort Hood, Texas, pose before the three legged race during the Veterans Day Appreciation Games, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 11, 2017. (U.S. ...

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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- U.S. Army, Staff Sgts. Darrell Gaines and Joey Jones and Sgts. 1st Class Ronald Martin and James Bartel, 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, 1st TSC, pose for a photo during the Veterans Day cookout, Camp...

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (Nov. 11, 2017) -- Troops on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, marked the 2017 Veterans Day holiday by taking part in a series of morale events centered on physical competition, Nov. 11.

Members from the Camp Arifjan community joined together to celebrate with the traditional Veteran's Day 5K run to start their day.

Major George Wallace, Area Support Group -- Kuwait Command Chaplain, had the honor to deliver the benediction before the race.

"We express gratitude for the spirit and devotion that brought men and women to give their lives in service to a greater cause," said Wallace. "We celebrate veterans today, and we run today as veterans who have also heard and responded to that call.

Camp Arifjan Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilitated events to include a Veterans Day workout but it would not be possible without the volunteers such as CrossFit instructors.

CrossFit instructors led the Double Whammy Hero workout of the day and presented gift cards to the top three competitors in the male and female categories.

Sergeant Cory Fullana, CrossFit Arifjan Affiliate Manager and volunteer instructor said, "The Hero Workout is to honor those who died doing what they love and honor their service."

Competitors had to complete two workouts called "Holleyman" and "Paul," named after two men who died while serving their country.

At the end of the day, participants celebrated together with games and a cookout.

Tina Wills, the MWR Director said, "This is MWR's way to show our appreciation to our patrons with the Veterans Day Appreciation Cookout and games at the turf field."

A sack race, 40 yard dash, football target, and other events were among the competitions. The top three winners in each category received a medal.

"MWR served over 500 service members for this event. It was a success. Service members came for the food and stayed for the events," said Ms. Wells.

Service members recalled their favorite memories from celebrations at home as they enjoyed the Camp Arifjan festivities.

Sergeant 1st Class Andrew Fucillo, from Braintree, Massachusetts, said, "My family has really enjoyed marching in the last three Auburn, Washington, Veterans Day Parades."

"I celebrate Veterans Day with my Family by going to our Veterans Day Parade and then having a BBQ with some military buddies," said Sgt. Byron Blake, National Guardsman from Abilene, Texas.

"I miss going to the parade with my kids and being able to answer all their questions," said Blake.

MWR events help support the Soldiers' readiness and resilience. Having an opportunity to celebrate this day together positively impacts morale and mission readiness.