FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – Television sets, gaming systems, comfortable furniture and music equipment are all items found within the Morale, Welfare and Recreation centers throughout 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment area of operations in Wasit Province.
The equipment was originally set up for the battalion while located on Contingency Operating Base Summers.
“At Summers we had nothing for the Soldiers,” said Master Sgt. Todd S. Biggins, operations sergeant major, 1st Bn., 77th FA Regt. “So I researched on the internet and found the USO2GO kit, filled out the necessary paperwork and got the items sent to COB Summers.”
The program, driven by the United Service Organizations, is a way to bring the comforts of home to deployed Soldiers.
There are eight programs to boost morale of deployed service members within the USO2GO kit. The programs have different comforts of home included, such as furniture, snacks, games, athletic equipment, phone cards, music equipment, gaming systems and movies.
“We haven’t received all of the programs yet, but we’re expecting them soon,” said Biggins, a Columbia, S.C. native. “Most of the programs are here, like the gaming systems, the athletic kits, all of the furniture, games, snacks and music equipment.”
The USO created the USO2GO kit to meet the needs of the military in deployed areas where a facility could not be created or maintained by the USO. Contents of the programs are mailed to the point of contact for the requesting unit.
“My favorite activity is playing flag football,” said Pfc. Damien L. Robinson, supply clerk, 1st Bn., 77th FA Regt. and native of Baltimore. “If Master Sgt. Biggins hadn’t put in the request for the equipment when we were at COB Summers we wouldn’t have anything to do or be able to relieve stress.”
“Master Sgt. Biggens always takes care of Soldiers,” said Sgt. Philip W. Coffelt, mechanic, 1st Bn., 77th FA Regt. “He’s everything that a noncommissioned officer should be, and this is a great example of how he looks out for the Soldiers in his formation.”
The equipment from the programs moved with the unit when they arrived at Forward Operating Base Delta earlier this year. With the move to FOB Delta, the unit’s main mission is to conduct Iraqi support and sustainment missions.
“My hope is to leave the equipment here so the Soldiers replacing us have the opportunity to relax as my Soldiers did,” said Biggins.
“This project shows he really cares about us,” said Sgt. Yvonne S. Mayberry, human resource clerk, 1st Bn., 77th FA Regt. and native of El Paso, Texas. “I’m really happy that he took the time out of his busy schedule to make sure that we have some of the comforts of home to help us relax.”
