Photo By Staff Sgt. Ian Valley | CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- U.S. Army Soldiers and other guests admire the lights at the...... read more read more
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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- U.S. Army Soldiers kicked off December with a tree-lighting ceremony that featured a massive Christmas tree, carolers, a few surprise guests, and Christmas treats courtesy of the Camp Arifjan Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Center and Area Support Group-Kuwait (ASG-Kuwait) here at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Dec. 4, 2021.
The tree-lighting was preceded by a prayer from Chaplain (Maj.) Richard Addo, the ASG-Kuwait Garrison Operations Chaplain, and a speech from Major Gen. Michael M. Russell Sr., Commanding General of 1st Theatre Sustainment Command, who was also in charge of flipping the switch that would light the tree.
Flanked by Santa’s elves, and a certain green, wannabe Christmas thief, Russell spoke to a large crowd of Soldiers, contractors, and their families at Camp Arifjan about how important partnerships and community are with the people of the host country of Kuwait.
“Christmas has been a hallmark that represents community,” said Russell. “We as guests in this great country of Kuwait and the land forces we share, have a common mission and a common bond.”
Russell’s message of community also applied to Soldiers of Camp Arifjan, who may be missing their friends and families during the holiday season.
“Today, we are going to shine brightly,” said Russell about the Camp Arifjan community, next to the unlit Christmas tree. “We are gonna show everybody that ASG-Kuwait is a community.”
Russel also spoke about how Soldiers need to look out for each other, especially during this time when many are used to spending the holidays with their friends and families back home.
“We need to be looking out for those who are having a harder time than others, those who are missing their families more than others,” said Russell. “When you leave here tonight, say to each other merry Christmas, or happy holidays. I’m happy to know you and I care about you.”
After his speech, Russell and some children from the attendees flipped a giant, dazzling red and gold switch to illuminate the Christmas tree which shined with red, white and blue streams of lights and layers of colorful ornaments.
Once the tree was lit, coordinators from the MWR and their families performed several Christmas carols for those in attendance, which was followed by the arrival of the guest of honor, Santa Claus, on the back of a Camp Arifjan fire truck. Attendees were then able to take pictures with Santa as well as his elves and the other costumed characters at Santa’s Village, which was set up next to the Christmas tree.
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony was concluded by a buffet of holiday snacks, ranging from eclairs to ornately-decorated fudge courtesy of ASG-Kuwait and the MWR.
While they enjoyed the snacks, a sense of community, reminiscent of what Russell spoke of, overcame the building as Soldiers sat down to play cards, or games, or any of the other services the MWR provides, with smiles as bright as the Christmas tree.
During his speech, Russell asked for this very thing, “It’s all about what we do for each other. If we are going to be a community as tight as we are, then it starts here.”
| Date Taken: | 12.04.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.10.2021 12:25 |
| Story ID: | 410577 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 91 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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