Fifteen single and unaccompanied service members participated in a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Liberty Campout at Chapman Beach, March 9.

The Liberty Program is for unaccompanied active duty only, including all ranks and branches. The Liberty Program offers three facilities for the target population to use that include computer and printer access, video games, massage chairs, DIRECTV, an indoor movie theater and a fully equipped band room. They also offer around 20 events per month which include activities such as ping pong tournaments, bowling nights, kayaking trips, barbeques, and more. Liberty has three locations at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB): Marine Hill, Tierra Kay (TK) and Camp America.

Anna Cole, MWR Liberty coordinator, explains the importance of the Liberty Program.

"The Liberty Program is vital to maintaining the morale for unaccompanied active duty," said Cole. "We are here to support our single/unaccompanied Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coastguardsmen by providing them activities and events that occupy their time outside of work. We have a diverse population of military here and we want to give them things to do to get them out of their rooms, meeting new people, and enjoying their time here in GTMO [NSGB]."

For the first time in more than nine years, a Liberty event was held that gave single and unaccompanied service members the opportunity to spend the night under the stars.

"To the best of my knowledge, Liberty has only done one other camping trip like this," said Cole. "This was several years back, well before I was at GTMO. It was done at Windmill Beach."

Cole added that choosing Chapman Beach does have its logistical problems, but it's one of her favorite beaches and it allows service members to explore other parts of NSGB.

"Many people spend their whole time here and never venture to Leeward or Chapman Beach for their personal time," said Cole. "Holding this camping trip at Chapman Beach will allow people to explore a new place at GTMO that they may not have been without having to worry about the logistics themselves. We are taking care of transportation, equipment, food, etc., so that all our participants can simply enjoy a fun night away at Leeward and appreciate the serenity and beauty of Chapman Beach and this place in general."

During the evening at Chapman Beach, the service members were able to relax around a camp fire, cook s'mores, and explore the night life of the ocean.

Lynnea Jenson, event participant, recommended that single or unaccompanied service members make the most of their time here at NSGB.

"Don't hide in your rooms," said Jenson. "Get out and experience the Caribbean life."

The campout left a good impression on those who participated, including Jenson.

"It was a great experience," said Jenson. "Not often do you get the stay out on the beach, have the stars overhead, camp fire going and be with good company."

Cole added that getting to plan, coordinate, and execute events and activities for service members here is such a blessing.

"I love my job! I have the best job at GTMO," said Cole. "It's rewarding; making people happy and helping them enjoy and appreciate GTMO is what I love doing, and it keeps me motivated to
continue planning new and different activities."

Benjamin Paredes, event participant, added that he loved the event too.

"It felt like I had the opportunity to relax a little bit and hangout with some friends, said Paredes. "This is an event that I would like to have the opportunity to do more often. The best part of the event for me was watching the sun rise. I do not get a chance to wake up early after sleeping under the stars and see the sun rise over the beach with friends."

MWR Liberty is planning another camp out in the near future. Make sure you check out MWR's GTMO Life calendar for more Liberty events.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, visit www.navy.mil/.