Soldiers create a home away from home

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - As dusk transitions to darkness and the hot sand begins to cool down, the majority of the Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, officers and civilians who work in motor pools, buildings and tactical operation centers return to their living quarters. Simultaneously, those who execute nightly convoy operations prepare to embark on their missions.

Both are signs another day has come and gone in a busy, deployed environment.

When post-work restlessness strikes, each Soldier strives to find a way to feel at home.

First Lt. Michael Johnson, a native of Chester, Va., and the battalion maintenance officer for 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, finds his comfort in the TV.

"As long as I have a television and sports showing on it, I'm as satisfied as a fish in the sea," he said.

Camp Liberty provides free cable service to Soldiers through the American Forces Network, which allows Soldiers the comfort of seeing shows they would watch at home.

Pfc. Hanna Cooper, a supply clerk for 1st Maintenance, with the 260th, and a native of Shelby County, Ill., has a different way of unwinding.

"For $65 a month, I have Internet access and connection so I'm able to be in constant communication with my loved ones back home," said Cooper.

She said this makes her being away from her loved ones bearable.

"With my family just a mouse click away, it makes me feel that they're here with me every day," she said.

Instead of entertainment or communication, 1st Lt. Jon Bender, a platoon leader from 1st Maintenance, 260th CSSB and a local of Albuquerque, N.M., finds comfort in the simpler things.

"Crab legs and steak every Wednesday keeps me going; (those are) two of my most favorite entrAfAes back (home)," said Bender.

Service members are finding ways to cope in deployed environments, especially with the support of the U.S. government and family and friends at home. Through this support, many have found a home away from home.