Thanksgiving football game brings troops close to home

Photo By Spc. Jason Jordan | CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq -- A Soldier from 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, runs the ball down the field during a Thanksgiving Day tournament. Soldiers from the unit organized an all-day football tournament called the Centaur Bowl (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jason Jordan, 1/10th Mountain Division PAO)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

11.30.2005

Courtesy Story

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Pfc. Jason Jordan
1/10th Mountain Division PAO

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq " On Thanksgiving Day, many Americans enjoy a gathering of family friends for a good meal and, in most cases, a good football game on TV.

For American Soldiers serving in Iraq, feelings of homesickness can never be completely erased, but they can be eased somewhat by reminders of holiday traditions"like an informal football scrimmage called the Centaur Bowl.

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division said the all-day football tournament was a long-standing tradition.

"This is a tradition we started in similar situations being away from home," said Capt. Fritz Keel, with the battalion's A Battery. "I know that all of us would rather be at home with our families, but at least we can bring over here some of the traditions we enjoyed at home."

Before the battalion football tournament began, the Soldiers enjoyed Thanksgiving meal at the Blizzard Inn dining facility which was decorated for the season with a number of culinary art sculptures.

A stage was set up outside the entrance of the DFAC where Soldiers and civilians sang karaoke. Inside, a stereo sound system provided music for the meal that featured an "open bar" of eggnog and grape juice.

"The food and the atmosphere at the DFAC was awesome," said Spc. Jeremiah Weppelman, with Headquarters Battery. "The open bar was creative, and the food was the best we could ask for since we are not able to eat with our families."

After the meal, the Soldiers prepared for the upcoming tournament with stretches and practice games.

The battalion was divided into four teams, and the Soldiers played by process of elimination until one team took home the final victory.

"Each member of today's winning team not only takes home a trophy, but bragging rights throughout the battalion that lasts until the next month's tournament," said 1st Sgt. Antonio Valentin, HQ Btry. "The friendly competition allows for a nice break away from the everyday patrols the Soldiers are used to."

The battalion tries to take time out each month for tournaments like the Centaur Bowl.

"We do a great thing each month, and especially on the holidays," said Spc. Willie Young, A Btry. "We are getting together and boosting our morale. We don't have the chance to be with family today, so this helps keep our spirits up."

• Date Taken: 11.30.2005
• Date Posted: 11.30.2005 17:30
• Story ID: 3908
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ