AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Being deployed thousands of miles from home can be challenging, but some service members take time to increase the quality of life for service members here.
When Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Cameron ‘Divot’ Lowdon, 609th Air Operations Center senior offensive duty officer, visited the installation’s golf simulator, he saw more than a chance to practice his swing … he saw an opportunity to give back.
“While the simulator is great, some of the equipment can use an upgrade,” said Lowdon. “I have some connections back in Canada and the Unites States. I reached out and was able to get some equipment. This gives an opportunity for the troops to enjoy a little of life back home”
As a member of the International Military Sports Council, Lowdon networked within the golf community to acquire new and used golf equipment from major brand names.
“This isn’t intended to be from me, it’s from the Canadians deployed here,” said Lowdon. “We certainly appreciate the support and help that we get from not only the U.S., but all the coalition members here. This is just a gift to say thanks. Like everyone here, we’re far from home and the support we get on base makes our job easier."
Staff Sgt. Steven Adkins, an avid golfer assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, said the RCAF’s contributions to the golf simulator is another example of the ‘one team, one fight’ mentality deployed to service members share.
“Seeing somebody go out of their way to do something nice for the rest of us really drives home that we’re all family,” said Adkins. “We’re all from different nations, looking out for one another, and have everyone’s best interests in mind.”
Lowdon said he hopes his efforts upgrading the golf simulator can have an effect on service members here for years to come.
“It will give them a place to relax and unwind,” said Lowdon. “We have 19 different nations working together with different philosophies and ways of doing business but at the end of the day we’re all working together. If this helps bring some of them closer, it was worth it.”