CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - U.S. Army Central and Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosted a New Year's Eve party to celebrate another year of health and prosperity on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Dec. 31.
"We put events on like this to let people celebrate the holiday as close to the way they would be back home," said Brenda Thompson, the Camp Arifjan MWR recreation supervisor. "We wanted to show the service member stationed away from their loved ones that there is someone that cares about them and give them something to take their minds off of work."
The event kicked off with an address by Col. Jeff Stewart, the Area Support Group - Kuwait commander, to the troops. "Even though it is hard to be deployed out here at this time of year, each of you do it with professionalism and a smile on your faces. These events are a way to say thank you for a job well done."
During the event, service members danced to 1990s music, socialized and had refreshments. The evening wrapped up in traditional style with a countdown to 2016, a ball drop and balloons falling from the ceiling.
Organizers wanted to give patrons a chance to relax and socialize in an environment that was made to simulate a gathering that service members would be able to attend in the States.
"It's never easy being away from your family, but being surrounded by the best extended family in the world helps make the holidays a little easier on us," said Staff Sgt. James Hoven, a supply sergeant with 257th Movement Control Battalion.
"This party took my mind off work and allowed me to have fun with my friends even though I am far from home," said Sgt. Jessica Brown, a fuel supply specialist with 682nd Engineer Battalion, Minnesota National Guard. "I really enjoyed myself and hope that my friends and family back home have a great time too."
According to Army Ready and Resilient, Soldiers who participate in a variety of activities have better physical and mental health and are able to adapt to difficult situations better than Soldiers who do not.
"I hope service members take advantage of future programs like these," said Hoven. "They allow people to relax from a long day at work and forget the stresses that come with a deployed environment."
The MWR puts on events like these to allow deployed personnel a chance to get out of their barracks rooms and interact with others in a similar situation, said Thompson. It holds events like this throughout the year to raise the morale and resiliency of deployed service members.
"I enjoy attending group activities, because it gets me out of my room and helps the time pass by quicker," said Brown. "Also, the larger events like this one are like milestones in a deployment. I use them to gauge how much time has passed and how close I am to returning to my family and friends back home."
For more information about future events contact the Camp Arifjan MWR at 430-1205.
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