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Photo By Capt. Andrew Lightsey IV | A Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) volunteer shares a fist bump with a U.S….… read more read more
Photo By Capt. Andrew Lightsey IV | A Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) volunteer shares a fist bump with a U.S. Soldier after handing him a bingo game card during Bingo Night at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 23, 2025. Small moments like these help build a positive atmosphere and strengthen morale among deployed troops. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Andrew Lightsey IV) see less | View Image Page
On Wednesday, August 20th, scores of off-duty Soldiers and civilians talk, dance in place, and sing along to “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift as they wait in line at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Stage and Entertainment area on Camp Buehring, Kuwait. A strategic staging and training post for Active Duty and National Guard troops alike, Camp Buehring winds down for the night as the audience arrives to receive their game cards for the bi-weekly Bingo Night. This important morale event has become a staple of the base’s community, offering a fun and engaging outlet, as well as high-end prizes.
During deployments, the stress of performing rigorous tasks daily in the heat of the desert, miles away from home, is quick to weigh on any person. While the post provides numerous resources such as sports tournaments, movie theatres, and recreation area to help, the MWR team has found few things have been more beneficial than a night out with friends. MWR Volunteer DJ, Jake Bustos, says it’s a reminder of home.
“There’s nothing that beats it,” said Bustos. “I think your biggest friendships in the military come from being deployed and just being in an environment where you just have each other. Everyone’s going through the same things. They are missing family and friends back home, so to be able to get together for a little bit and kind of feel like you are back home hanging out with people definitely helps.”
The Bingo Nights on Camp Buehring begin at 7pm every Wednesday and Saturday night, with players checking in to receive their game cards. Music blasts throughout the post as Busto deejays to start the night and in between rounds. A Volunteer MC explains which board arrangement will win the game and lights up an LED lightboard that reminds players of the alphanumeric combinations that have been called. Players are encouraged to participate throughout by joining the MC in call-and-response chants to certain combinations and shouting “Bingo!” loudly to indicate they have come up with the correct arrangement on their cards. Correct cards equate to substantial prizes such as wireless speakers, ear buds, blankets, and even televisions.
“It was pretty fun winning something,” said Devin Fish, a first-time event attendee. “Normally, I’m an unlucky person, but tonight I won and was pretty excited. I won a speaker system, and the prizes throughout the night were good too.”
Although the prizes are enticing, many state that the recurring events’ relaxed atmosphere and sense of community are what keep them coming back.
“It’s just an escape,” said Nathalia Mears, who has attended for the past seven months. “It’s pretty chill, the area is nice, and they have good music. There is a community with the people who go, and we just have fun.”
After briefly pausing for the 12-Day War, Bingo Night continues to be a much-anticipated affair that has only increased in popularity. Since the war, MWR Staff have added the Wednesday night games after hearing participants’ request for more. The hosts are committed to maintaining a positive environment that promotes friendly competition and improving social interaction for all on the post.
“The night is where people come to release when they have free time,” said Kenlay Mugo, a MWR team member. “When people come out and see what we do, they may have an eye to see something we are not seeing, and so we can hear from them, improve, and get better. We are better together.”
Bingo Night continues to be a vital occurrence for fostering esprit de corps on Camp Buehring, and MWR plans to keep hosting it for residents. For Fish, Mears, and many other participants, that’s the way it should be.
“It is a good way for Soldiers to ease their minds,” said Fish. “Everyone has fun, and it’s interactive. I would encourage people to go at least once. Get out of your room, get out of your work routine, and try to relax.”
“Bingo night should continue,” said Mears. “I feel like a lot of people don’t have anything to do [at Camp Buehring], there are the movies, but you can do that anywhere. You can bring a friend and get a rush of adrenaline when you win!”
For more information on MWR events on Camp Buehring, visit http://www.youtube.com/@BuSportsFitness-gc2ls.
This work, Buehring Bingo: A Winning Combination for Soldier Morale, by CPT Andrew Lightsey IV, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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