KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan. (July 3, 2012) -- Service members took part in the NATO Multinational Role 3 Independence Day celebration at the hospital's deck on July 3, 2012. The United Services Organization sponsored the event as service members came together to celebrate America's independence.
A hospital deck filled with water balloon fights, tri-cycle races, raffles, and grilled pepperoni pizzas was a scene that could've easily been taken from a park.
"People have this perception of the hospital not being a fun place, but it helps us service members to bond," said Staff Sgt. Scott Mason, NCOIC of the Warrior Recovery Center with NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit. "This event was a stress relief for the staff and gave some wounded warriors time to not focus on their injuries.
As service members munched down on hot dogs, hamburgers, and macaroni potato salad, a member of the Role 3 unit announced to everyone that it would be the last call for free raffle tickets. A crowd of Soldiers surrounded the staff worker with hopes of winning an X-Box, iPad, or a pair of Dre Beats, which were donated by the Kandahar USO.
"The men and women of the Role 3 work tirelessly every day to care for our injured service members and it's a great thing to take care of the Role 3 in return," said Priya Butler, Director of the USO Southwest Asia region.
"One of the most fun prizes we gave away was the Michael Jackson dance off for the X-Box."
The highlight of the evening was the basketball contest between the enlisted personnel and officers, which was followed by an impromptu water balloon fight.
"It's always good to have non-military support for events it shows the amazing support and love they have for all the troops," Sgt. Eric Sargent, a warrior recovery noncommissioned officer, NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit said.
As the evening winded down and service members refocused on their mission, the attendees had fun celebrating America's independence. "We all miss the celebrations at home, but this was a chance to enjoy our Independence Day in Afghanistan and we had a great time doing it," Butler said.
Even though the service members didn't have a park or fireworks display they had the deck and sounds of fighter jets taking off. A holiday usually celebrated by families was instead celebrated with brothers and sisters in arms.
"Having events like this breaks up the normal day to day operations and not only did it help us unwind, but it brings the staff, NATO forces, the USO, and wounded warriors together to celebrate the greatest country in the world's independence," said Sargent.
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