Desert Landscaping For U.S. Troops

 

Soldiers and Marines get a taste of relaxation in the form of palms and other landscaping at this USO tent, which opened in July in Kuwait. Note the improvised irrigation?EUR??,,????'??+the palms and shrubs are sustained with bottled water.

U.S. facilities in Iraq focus on security before palms, turf or irrigation. With that in mind, the United Service Organizations, or USO, has created an oasis of green for soldiers and Marines at a location in Kuwait. The new tent, deck and turfgrass complex opened in July?EUR??,,????'??+with much appreciation from men and women in uniform.

The facility is a place where soldiers and Marines can enjoy music and other entertainment as they adjust to life outside the war zone.

?EUR??,,????'??One distinctive facet of the new tent is its outside deck area,?EUR??,,????'?? the Army press release says. ?EUR??,,????'??It is surrounded by grass, plants and palm trees, and includes a big-screen television and stage area for performances, making it stand out from any other tent on camp.?EUR??,,????'??

Rest and recreation are crucial to help troops make the transition from Iraq to the world outside. Donations from contracting companies (unnamed in the Army statement) helped the USO facility move from a 1,500 square-foot tent to the new 5,100 square-foot one.

?EUR??,,????'??An essential part of reintegration is to help build morale for military service members,?EUR??,,????'?? said USO Kuwait director Phillip Harris.

The old tent was so crowded that long lines of troops would line up and wait to get in.

?EUR??,,????'??Military personnel?EUR??,,????'??? come in and sleep, play games and stay until the end of the night,?EUR??,,????'?? Harris said. ?EUR??,,????'??Most would leave saying, ?EUR??,,????'??Thank you. For a few hours I forgot I was in the desert.?EUR??,,????'????EUR??,,????'??

Manufacturers and others who would like to donate products or services for the troops can contact Kathy Mejasich at 703-908-6495.