They were returning from a Washington Capitals hockey game where they met several players who autographed hats, shirts, jackets and posters in a private room after the final home game of the season.

One Soldier after another commented about what a great time they'd had. "It was awesome. I love hockey," said Sgt. Dawn Adamson, an MP from West Virginia's 157th Military Police Battalion, who is recovering from a bullet wound in her foot.

Tuesday's outing, like more than 30 others over the past five months for more than 1,300 participants, was made possible through an American Red Cross program known as Operation Atlas, the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Morale Welfare and Recreation program and private sponsors.

Last fall, with an increasing number of outpatients staying on the small post -- many suddenly having an abundance of free time -- the Red Cross branch here wanted to give the troops something to do to keep them "out of trouble," explained Barbara Green.

The ARC manager here, Green said a volunteer proposed taking the Soldiers to see different sites in the Washington area and to various other activities they might be interested in.

"For some of these Soldiers, they may never get back here to the nation's capital," Green said, explaining how she thought it was a great idea and opportunity for the patients.

And with that, Operation Atlas was created. Red Cross volunteer Marlene Lee came up with the idea, and is spearheading its activities, contacting various organizations and making arrangements for events and tours -- including a tour this week of the CIA headquarters.

Lee said numerous individuals and companies have contacted the Red Cross wanting to help the service members being treated at WRAMC. She was in the Red Cross office last fall when the MCI Center called and said they had 22 season Capitals tickets that Computer Systems Center, Inc. wanted to donate.

"I didn't know how we were going to arrange everything, I just said, 'Yes. We'll take them,'" Lee said. And thanks to MWR providing the transportation, she said they've made it to every game.

The hockey tickets were a real blessing, Lee said. But other activities have been equally impressive. In February, Operation Atlas had a private tour of the Capitol Building.

"Some of the Soldiers said that was the most meaningful thing they had done in Washington," Lee said. She explained that the speaker of the house met with the troops and thanked them for their service and a congressman had given them a private tour. "I don't know who enjoyed it more, him or the Soldiers."

Lee said she selected the name "Operation Atlas" because the program is there to help Soldiers and their family members who come to Walter Reed from around the world. "I consider it a privileged to be doing what I'm doing. I think all volunteers have a significant contribution. I'm just one of hundreds."

While the work keeps her busy, Lee said she's enjoying it and with a son serving in Iraq, "This is how I'm channeling my nervous energy."

Green said she's pleased with the way Operation Atlas seems to benefit the patients. "The Soldiers are happy. They're getting to see the sites here and I think it's keeping them busy. They have something to focus on, and from that we've gained a lot of volunteers out of the Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Soldiers. I believe they're thankful for what we've done and they want to come and help us."

"Whoever organized these activities is a godsend. It helps so much just getting away from here for awhile and having some fun," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Siedschlag, who has been an outpatient at Walter Reed since November. "The way they have it set up, between the Red Cross and MWR, there are always some great activities."