TEXAS HOLDEM ONLINE POKER
TEXAS HOLDEM ONLINE POKER
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Sailors Break Out Their Poker Faces |
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He knew immediately he was all
in. The Flop almost caused him to lose his cool, but he knew he needed to
remain emotionless. He raised his bet before the Turn. His heart pounded
with one card to go. As he saw it, he felt his heart stop -- sunk again by
the River.
Service members gathered Friday at Bellevue Navy Housing in Naval District Washington to take part in the USO's Texas Holdem tournament. The poker games are held monthly at area bases and winners will meet in the quarterfinals in September. "The USO is all about providing services, support and entertainment to our troops and their families," said Lisa Frederick, deputy director of Communications for USO-Metro. "Texas Holdem tournaments are gaining quite a bit of popularity right now and we received a direct request from a service member to begin hosting tournaments. So, we got some volunteers and got it started." The winner of each monthly tournament receives a $100 American Express Gift Check and the quarterly winner will receive an additional $300 gift check. The tournaments will continue year round with the quarterly finals happening every third month. Participants in the program say the USO's programs provide more than just poker. They provide service members an opportunity to create bonds with other families. "When you're isolated from your extended family, it's good to have a program available allowing you to create bonds with your military family," said HM1 Jason Wright, leading petty officer of Uniform Services University Health Sciences. "Not only is the program good for the morale and welfare of military families, but the poker itself is challenging and fun to play." USO-backed programs create bonds with other families in the area, said Carolyn Dempster. Dempster's husband, HN Charles Dempster, is a corpsman assigned to Naval Air Facility Branch Health Clinic. "Not only are these programs family friendly, but they allow us an opportunity to meet other military families with similar interests and hobbies," Dempster said. To register participants should contact the USO office at the base they want to play at two days prior to the tournament. Late registration is available at the door but is limited to available space. The tournaments are free of charge and refreshments are provided. "USO-Metro's mission is to serve those who serve, and their families," Frederick said. "We try to provide the service member with fun places to go, fun things to do and a fun way to have fellowship."
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