3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

AL ASAD, Iraq -- The 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, with the help from Headquarters Marine Corps, has supplied the Marines, Sailors and support personnel of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing here with morale, welfare and recreation equipment.

"We have more than $250,000 in gear out here for the Marines," said Col. Paul D. McGraw, assistant chief of staff for manpower, 3rd MAW. "This was an initiative from HQMC. When large groups such as a MEF or an air wing deploy, they should have access to things like this."

The things McGraw refers to are dozens of different sets of gym equipment, television sets, board games, books and video game systems, as well as indoor and outdoor sports equipment.

"We brought all this to help boost the morale of the troops," said Warrant Officer Cynthia Douglas, a 33-year-old Brooklyn, N.Y., native and MWR officer for 3rd MAW. "We have passed out the gear to the four groups. Each of the groups received gear according to their size."

According to Douglas, there are also plans to build a new gymnasium and recreation center to help support the steady number of troops already here.

"We are trying to have a gym built closer to where the Marines are working and living," said Douglas. "There are Marines who work on the flight line and it is hard for them to get to the (current) gym or participate in MWR activities."

McGraw, a 47-year-old from Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada, had no problem receiving the gear and has had an even easier time dispersing it.

"All the board games and books were given to the chaplains and the other gear was given to the units. We are leaving it up to the groups to set it up themselves," he said. " (The individual groups) are using their field ordering officers to order satellite television access for the squadrons."

McGraw knows the Marines and Sailors who have received this gear will use it and appreciate it.

"All of their hard work is coming together," he said. "This is something to show them they are appreciated."