Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces, Major General H E Hamad bin Ali Al Attiyah opened his beachside home for a three-day outing for US service members earlier this week.
More than 700 visitors benefited from the top Qatari general’s generosity, which included several seaside activities along the warm Gulf waters – three days of entertainment with an Arabic twist.
“It was amazing hospitality to experience while deployed,” said US Air Force Staff Sgt Ieaka Jones. “I feel honoured to come out here and see how Qataris enjoy themselves. This is a beautiful country.”
Jones enjoyed jumping a few waves on the powerful watercrafts – one of the day’s most popular offerings. Other venues included rides on all-terrain vehicles and one of five Arabian camels; holding one of eight valuable falcons and watching lure training demonstrations; petting an incredibly friendly cheetah and deep sea fishing.
“I was nervous to pet the cheetah at first,” said US Air Force 1st Lt. Jeff Ledoux, “but as you get closer to it… it’s not that scary.” “It feels like we are appreciated by the Qataris,” said Sgt Jon Camacho, from Fairfield, Calif., enjoying a four-day respite from duties in Iraq. “My favourite is the cheetah – it’s definitely something you don’t see every day! I’ve never met anyone who has a cheetah in their house.” “The Qatari general enjoys hosting the US military at his beach home,” said Army Lt Col Scott S Naelitz. “He said he looks forward to future opportunities, to further strengthen relationships between the two nations’ armed forces.”
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