The provision of welfare for members of the Forces in Europe goes back to the second half of the nineteenth century, when public concern was shown for the wellbeing of the troops and when various religious and philanthropic organisations started work in different places. Subsequently, certain of these organisations opened centres in a number of garrisons and ports at home and abroad and in the first half of the twentieth century the work of these organisations developed on a very extensive scale.
After the Second World War NATO initiated more and more co-operation between the Forces of different countries of Western Europe and the USA. Furthermore the peacekeeping operations of the United Nations increased the collaboration between armies of different countries all over the world.
It became apparent that as the different national Forces worked more closely together, so should the various welfare organisations. In 1992 the Dutch military organisation K.N.M.B. Pro Rege took the initiative to bring together 21 organisations in 7 European countries to found the European Christian Home Organisations for the Services (ECHOS).
Although the work undertaken by each organisation varied according to the culture and framework of the military system they were working within, each had as its primary purpose the care of the soldier. This care being expressed by looking after not only physical and social well-being, but as it derives directly from the Christian faith, also spiritual needs. Thus it was that those attending this meeting were able to agree to establish the European Christian Home Organisations for the Services (ECHOS).
In 1993 the first ECHOS soldiers home was built as a pilot project in Zagreb, Croatia. This project was a great success and ECHOS has founded more homes. Since 1996 ECHOS has provided welfare services to the peace keeping troops in Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.
ECHOS Homes are now located in:
- Sarajevo, Bosnia: the Shelter
- Sarajevo, Bosnia: the Source
- Pristina, Kosovo: the Mast
- Basrah, Iraq: the Mirage and the Shade
- Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan: the Windmill
- Kandahar, Afghanistan: All Seasons
- Bergen Hohen, Germany: Baan 41
- Rheindahlen, Germany: the Bridge
OASE Homes and Centres of the German partner are located in:
- Pristina, Kosovo
- Kabul, Afghanistan
- Mazar-e-Sharif
Each home is run by a manager, who is responsible for the overall operation. These managers are professional staff members from the member organisations.
The day to day work is carried out by a civilian international staff, employees from the member organisations. Moreover, local assistants are employed.
As a result of this, visitors from each nationality are able to communicate with ECHOS and OASE personnel in their own language.
The logo of ECHOS International symbolizes the welfare activities and the Christian basis.
ECHOS Homes provide a wide range of entertainment and facilities, such as:
- Snacks and assorted refreshments
- Restaurant facilities
- Newspapers, magazines and books
- Television and films
- Video games
- Board games like chess, darts, monopoly, Risk etc..
- Lounge areas with non-smoking sections
- Study facilities
- Chapel facilities
- Internet facilities
The social function of the ECHOS Homes is also broadened by informal contacts with the Forces' chaplains. Many of them use the ECHOS Homes as a meeting point and for church services.
