Serving up morale at remote Polish outpost for incoming Soldiers
DRAWSKO MILITARY COMMUNITY, Poland — Tucked away in the remote training areas of the Drawsko Military Community, the unmistakable pop of a plastic ball hitting a paddle echoes through the air. Here, miles away from home, loved ones, and familiar comforts, deployed Soldiers have found a new way to build camaraderie and combat the isolation of an overseas rotation.
Pickleball.
Set up in early spring of 2026 by U.S Army Capt. Lauren E. Freed, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, and Morale and Welfare Program Manager, Robert Neuman, the base’s pickleball court has quickly become a central hub for troops. For many, the court serves a greater purpose than just physical activity. Pickleball evolved into a vital networking tool, helps Soldiers integrate into new environments, reduces profound feelings of isolation, and separation from families back home.
"Pickleball has been a great stress reliever and personally gave me something to look forward to every day. These types of rotations can be monotonous, and pickleball was a great way to break up the toll of work in a low-stress environment," Freed said. "I've definitely met people I otherwise would not have gotten to know so well."
As new Soldiers cycle through the remote Polish base, the court provides an immediate, welcoming environment. For newly arriving Soldiers, stepping onto the court serves as a comfortable and fun icebreaker, easing their transition into the demanding deployment environment, as well as helping them build a support system from day one.
Freed knew that isolation in a remote site can be detrimental to the mental health of a Soldier. None knew this better than the Soldiers of the 1st Armored Division.
"Pickleball became more than just a game — it gave Soldiers an opportunity to step away from the daily mission, strengthen relationships and help create healthy competition between teams," said Sgt. 1st Class Mark C. McClendon of the 208th Signal Company, 501st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Division. "Those moments on the court helped build morale, reinforce unit cohesion and strengthen the bonds of our formation."
Beyond the social benefits, pickleball offers a much-needed boost to cardiovascular activity. With limited fitness and entertainment options available at the remote installation, the court provides a dynamic, outdoor alternative to the standard indoor gym routine.
Freed deliberately identified pickleball as an ideal sport because it allows a large number of Soldiers to participate regardless of their physical abilities, size, or prior athletic experience. Crucially for military leaders, the relatively low-impact nature of the sport limits the risk of physical injury, ensuring that Soldiers remain medically ready and the broader mission is not negatively impacted.
Capitalizing on the sport’s growing popularity, Freed and pickleball members organized a monthly tournament to encourage a healthy competitive spirit and boost unit morale.
"Our weekly pickleball matches provided a healthy outlet fueled by competition and camaraderie," said Capt. Christopher Campbell of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. "Playing pickleball as a pastime while on rotation will always be a core memory for me and many others!"
For many deployed personnel, the daily matches are more than just a game. Soldiers consistently describe the pickleball gatherings as the highlight of their day, a brief window that reminds them of home, offers a chance to hang out with friends, and provides a highly effective, positive outlet to burn excess energy before returning back to a mission mindset.
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