Freedom Rest is a former officers club in Baghdad that was used by the Iraqi military under Saddam Hussein. The US 1st Cavalry turned it into the only Rest & Relaxation Facility in Iraq for our troops.
The facility has an Internet Cafe, A unique swimming pool with Olympic diving platforms, a pool room, library area, music room, shops, music room, a golf simulator, basketball courts and a dining room, just to name a few of the amenities.
Operation: A Bit of Home has helped build the largest DVD and CD lending library for our Troops in Iraq. (Almost everyone has used DVD's and CD's they no longer want. Send them over or send them to us . We will get them there!)

The MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation) staff of Freedom Rest thanks you deeply for your support, generosity, and most important, love. The care packages bring a bit of home to Iraq in more ways than one.
Freedom Rest offers Soldiers a four day get away from the stress and action of being in the combat zone. During their stay they can partake in the various activities we have planned for them (karaoke, flag football, and sumo wrestling to name a few); or they can enjoy the many amenities such as the swimming pool, gym, theatre, sauna, music and game room. The staff spends a majority of the time talking to Soldiers and keeping them comfortable and active during their stay. This is where your support has played such a big role.
The personal hygiene and snacks are stocked in the living areas and used to make gift bags as well. A lot of the packages are also given to the troops that come through on convoys. You would be surprised at how the packages and letters can boost morale. The time, effort, and care put into every box are invaluable. It shows how much you support our Troops, lets them know people back home are thinking of them, and helps us complete our mission. We Appreciate the Love and Encouragement.
God Bless
Freedom Rest - MWR Staff
I wanted to tell you we have been receiving packages at least a few times a week. Toby Keith played a show at Freedom Rest on Labor Day. We had almost 1500 people here at Freedom Rest that evening. I attached a picture. We Just wanted to Thank you once again for your support. This country can still be a very tough place for the soldiers and we see how the soldiers appreciate your kindness and the generosity of those helping OABOH. As always Thank you Ken! ...our thanks go out to Bob too.
MWR Supervisor
Freedom Rest
"Freedom Rest was fantastic. Your staff is top notch. I really needed all of this. The pool, the TV, having a real mattress. I give Freedom Rest a five star rating. Thank you all very much!"
SGT 439th Civil Affairs A Co.
Below are a just a few of the comments made by soldiers regarding Freedom Rest.
"Thanks for all the outgoing things we were able to do at Freedom Rest. This is a great way to get away and forget all the bad things that are going on around us."
Spc. HHC 3 153rd in 39th
"Freedom Rest is a great opportunity to recharge. Thanks for all you do for our soldiers."
LTC Command 27 MSB
"Thanks for your hospitality! Freedom Rest is just what the doctor ordered. You guys are great. You all succeeded in raising the moral, if just for a few days. Thanks so much and may you have many more fun days!"
SPC 3rd 3-153rd in 39th BCT
" Freedom Rest is perhaps the best kept secret in Baghdad, Iraq. I am so happy to have had time spent here. This is indeed one of the most memorable highlights for me during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The staff is the absolute GREATEST. I actually forgot that I was in the military, in a war-zone with limitless responsibilities. Thank you all for showing us the greatest time ever."
1Lt. 8th engineers 1CD
"I really enjoyed my time at Freedom Rest. I needed the time away from the unit. It cleared my mind and regrouped my thoughts. I came, I sang, I regained!"
SGT HHD 15 PSB
"I really enjoyed my time at Freedom Rest. I needed the time away from the unit. It cleared my mind and regrouped my thoughts. I came, I sang, I regained!"
SGT HHD 15 PSB
"My time here was a much needed getaway from all the stress of deployment. For a brief while I forgot I was in Iraq."
SPC A det 15th PSB
"This was a relaxing time and I was happy to get away from what's happening just to be myself."
SGT 15th PSB 729th ADCO Postal
"Thank you for bringing a little enjoyment into this place"
LT DCO 3-153rd
"Thanks for all of the fun and food…. Thanks to you all! What a great way to make us all feel human again I couldn't ask for more!"
HHC 3-153rd Infantry
"Thank you for allowing the soldiers to relax at Freedom Rest! I admit these were the best few days since I've been deployed."
SGT Bravo Co. 980th