Students of the American School of Doha celebrated military appreciation day with Soldiers and Airmen of Camp As Sayliyah and Al Udeid Air Base at a Feb. 23 open house event on the ASD campus.
To kick off the festivities, Dr. Deborah Welch, the school's director, welcomed approximately 275 service members by opening athletic facilities and library for all to use. Teachers helped facilitate team events and provided service members with access to online video chat equipment and facilities, encouraging many to talk with their families back home.
Additionally, those in attendance enjoyed a multi-cultural barbecue, including hamburgers and shawarma, as a show of the ASD's appreciation for American service members.
Athletic events also punctuated the festivities, as participants engaged in friendly football, soccer, basketball and volleyball matches. Additionally, a climbing wall challenged all to scale its sheer face, while swimming and kayaking options added another unique dimension to the event.
"Thank you for everything you do for us. Thank you for what you do for ASD, but also for what you do as members of the armed services," said Welch. "For the 2014-2015 school year, you all have provided ASD hundreds of volunteers, amounting to 3,000 volunteer hours."
Welch continued to praise the service members in attendance, reiterating the importance of their volunteering.
"We have over 2,100 students here; 60 percent are from 74 different countries around the world. So you all send a strong message when you volunteer your time and skills to our student body, faculty and support staff. You truly are ambassadors [of] the U.S.," said Welch
Also in attendance was Dana Shell Smith, U.S. Ambassador to Qatar. Smith remarked on the proud partnership the embassy has with the U.S. Central Command and the American School of Doha.
"We appreciate your contributions to ASD and the U.S. Embassy," said Smith while addressing the service members. "It has strengthened U.S.-Qatari ties."
Before the service members were released to enjoy the day, Air Force Col. Steve Biggs, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander, and Army Col. William Wozniak, Area Support Group-Qatar commander, offered comments to the troops as well.
The colonels highlighted that the service members are making a difference and building long-lasting partnerships. They also mentioned they appreciate the choice to give up personal time to help ASD.
The event culminated with Soldiers and Airmen getting on to the bus, just like they did when they were kids, and heading home after a productive day at school.
For more photos of this great event, make sure to check out the album on our Flickr page:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/asgqapao/sets
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