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American School of Doha hosts Military Appreciation Day

  • Published
  • By Maj. Nicole David
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar --  Fostering relationships is at the heart of the U.S. military, whether it is through joint assignments with sister services, serving with coalition forces, or engaging throughout our communities in which we live and work. The partnership between the American School of Doha, Al Udeid Air Base and Camp As Sayliyah has been developing and growing strong since 2011.

Through the private organization Jar Saleh, Arabic for 'Good Neighbor,' both the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing at AUAB and the Area Support Group at CAS have been involved heavily with volunteering for a variety of activities at ASD. On March 7, 2014, ASD wanted to give back and hosted the 4th annual Military Appreciation Day for the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines deployed to AUAB and CAS.

To kick off the festivities, Dr. Phillip Stroup, ASD Director of Development and External Relations, welcomed about 230 members of the armed forces, opening up the school's athletic facilities and library for all to use. Teachers were available to help facilitate team sports, as well as set up members on online video chat to talk to their families back home. Additionally, the school provided a cookout, grilling up burgers and making shawarma on a spit.

"Thank you for everything you do for us," said Stroup. "Thank you for what you do for ASD but also for what you do as members of the armed services. When we first hosted this day in 2011, we calculated AUAB and CAS provided 75 volunteers and 250 volunteer hours for the year. Now for 2013, you all have provided ASD hundreds of volunteers amounting to 12,000 volunteer hours!"

Members from the 379th AEW and CAS have put service before self, assisting ASD in over 80 programs, including sporting events, clubs, festivals, and leadership activities at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

"We cannot thank you enough for your support and all that you do for our students," said Dr. Deborah Welch, Director of American School of Doha. "We have 2,100 students here, 60 percent from 74 different countries around the world. So you all send a strong message when you volunteer your time for our student body, faculty and support staff. You truly are ambassadors to the U.S."

Also in attendance was Ian McCary, the deputy chief of mission for the U.S. Embassy-Doha. McCary remarked on the proud partnership the embassy has with the U.S. Central Command and the American School of Doha.

"We appreciate your contributions to ASD and it is a pleasure serving with you in Qatar," commented McCary to the service members.

Military members were organized into teams and played in friendly competitions in football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Additionally, there was a climbing wall available and kayaking and swimming in the pools were also an option.

Before members were released to enjoy the day, both Brig. Gen. Roger Watkins, 379th AEW commander, and Col. William Wozniak, Area Support Group commander offered comments to the troops as well, highlighting that the service members are making a difference and building long-lasting partnerships and appreciate the choice to give up personal time to help ASD.

"You all make it happen through your service before self," said Watkins. "And thank you to ASD for allowing our Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines to have the opportunity to continue to foster this relationship."