Western night of fun

Brig. Gen. Abdulla Jassim Al Meraikhi, host nation commander, Maj. Saeed Al Marri, host nation security and Brig. Gen. Randy Kee, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, pose for a picture during at Texas-style barbecue April 27 in Southwest Asia. The event also included various activities such as horseshoes and lassoing, along with a traditional western meal. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Liliana Moreno)

Western night of fun

Col. Christopher Kulas, 379th Expeditionary Operations Group commander, pitches a horseshoe during at Texas-style barbecue with host nationals April 27 in Southwest Asia. The event also included various activities such as horseshoes and lassoing, along with a traditional western meal. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Liliana Moreno)

Western night of fun

Col. Hamad Abdullah Al-Hussaini, pitches a horseshoe during at Texas-style barbecue April 27 in Southwest Asia. The event also included various activities such as horseshoes and lassoing, along with a traditional western meal. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Liliana Moreno)

Western night of fun

Lt. Col. Mohammed Abdulla Mohd. Saleh, pratices lassoing during at Texas-style barbecue April 27 in Southwest Asia. The event also included various activities such as horseshoes and lassoing, along with a traditional western meal. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Liliana Moreno)

YeHaw!

Brig. Gen. Randy Kee, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, gathers with host nationals during at Texas-style barbecue April 27 in Southwest Asia. The event also included various activities such as horseshoes and lassoing, along with a traditional western meal. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Liliana Moreno)

Partnership displayed in a western night of fun

Published May 2, 2011
By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Members of the local military and American Airmen gathered here at this desert base for a western-style barbecue April 27 to foster relationships and learn about the 'wild west.'

The event was comprised of various activities for the 87 participants to include a dinner complete with barbecued chicken, steak, corn on the cob, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, peach cobbler and apple pie.

"I've enjoyed myself," said Brig. Gen. Abdulla Jassim Al Meraikhi, host nation base commander. "It is a good relationship we have with each other. Each time we work together we learn from each other, there are benefits from both sides - it is mutual."

During the dinner, the base leadership and host nationals listened to the Air Forces Central Band, 'Wild Blue Country' play traditional western music. After dining, the guests participated in traditional 'western' games like horseshoes and horse roping.

"Building relationships isn't all about work, there are great opportunities to learn more about each other during social gatherings," said Lt. Col. Bruce Bartholomew, Host Nation Coordination Cell deputy director. "We tend to 'let our hair down' and interact in a more relaxed, fun atmosphere, and this interaction can move the relationship from an acquaintance to a friendship."

The host nationals were appreciative of the invite Brig. Gen. Randy Kee, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, extended to them.

"We've had fun, made friends and now have new friends," said Maj. Saeed Al Marri. "We thank General Kee for the invitation."

General Kee referred to the host nationals as our 'gracious hosts.'

"We have had a great and enjoyable time tonight," the general said. "Events like this give us the perfect opportunity to build a great relationship that we will endeavor in every way to continue to grow."