Deployed Airmen lend a paw to those in need at local animal shelter

Published Feb. 14, 2014
By Maj. Nicole David
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

DOHA, Qatar -- Deployed Airmen miss home when they are away for extended periods of time, and that includes four-legged family members - their pets.

On February 9, 2014, six Airmen deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, volunteered their time to help a local animal shelter walk dogs, ensuring those canines had the chance to be outside their kennels for just a little while.

Through the private organization on base, Jar Saleh, meaning "Good Neighbor," Airmen volunteered at the Qatar Animal Welfare Society, a local rescue and no-kill shelter that has been in existence since 2003. The six volunteers walked seven dogs each over a three hour time period.

It doesn't sound like much, but according to co-founder and shelter coordinator, Kelly Allen, it was an enormous help to know that the U.S. Air Force provided care for 35% of the canines that day.

"Q.A.W.S. is entirely dependent on the goodwill and gestures of the surrounding community including the air force base and the army camp, which are always offering up time to help us," said Allen. "There are only seven of us that work here full time, three of which get paid, the others, including myself, volunteer full time. It is the only way to ensure the welfare of over 150 animals we have here at any given time."

While volunteering provides a great service to Q.A.W.S., it is also rewarding to the Airmen that have left behind their own pets or simply have a love for animals.

Staff Sgt. Scott Turmell, the volunteer coordinator and member of the 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron says he misses his dogs, Sugar and Barkley.

"Giving my time and attention to dogs that wouldn't otherwise get much makes me feel like I am making the most of my time here," said Turmell, deployed from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. and a Mecosta, Mich. native.

Allen explained that they make sure every dog gets two walks a day, for at least 15 minutes. Doing the math, the walking doesn't always get finished before sun down, so every helping hand makes a difference.

"I grew up in a family that always had rescue dogs," said Staff Sgt. Michael Callahan, a member of the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron, deployed from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI and native of Myersville, Md. "I just wanted to give back while I am deployed and this is something I connected with."

Q.A.W.S. is currently facing some imminent challenges. The shelter is being evicted from the land leased from the government and must relocate by March 31st. Not only does the shelter need to relocate, but they have to start all over again rebuilding the facilities for the animals.

"I am very concerned about our future and the welfare of these animals," said Allen. "For fourteen months, no organization has stepped forward to help and without the assistance of our supporters, like the military, local schools and businesses, we simply can't exist."

Donations of any kind are greatly appreciated. The shelter and its furry residents are always in need of food, leashes, collars, toys, cleaning supplies and so much more. Anyone interested in making a donation should visit www.qaws.org to see how you can make a difference.

Disclaimer: IAW AFI 35-107, para. 5.2.8. - The United States Air Force does not endorse the organizational entity, Q.A.W.S., and does not exercise any responsibility or oversight of the content at destination.