Soldiers give Hawaiian goodbye

Courtesy Photo | The ladies performed hula dances as the band played and sang songs from their island of Hawaii.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.29.2005

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

By Pfc. Mark B. Matthews
MNC-I PAO

CAMP VICTORY, Baghdad, Iraq " Of all the nationalities and cultures that make up the U.S. military, few are as colorful and vibrant as the Hawaiians, and a few Soldiers found a way to bring a little of that culture to everyone.

Soldiers with the 29th Brigade Combat Team put on a hula halau show at the Al-Faw Palace Ballroom on Camp Victory Dec. 26.

The show was put on as a farewell to the 29th BCT; and being that these Soldiers will soon be re-deploying, the morale among the unit was already high. However, being able to perform seemed to lift both the performers and the audience's spirits a little higher.

The group has been performing and practicing together since April and has put on many performances since then. Both the band and the dancers volunteered their free time to practice, and it seemed to pay off in the end.

"It's great to see these Soldiers perform and bring our culture to other people in the military," said Spc. Vincent Gonzales, Headquarters and Headquarters Company 29th Brigade Combat Team. "In Hawaii we have what we call the spirit of aloha, aloha meaning love, and these Soldiers performing gave them a chance to share that spirit with others."

The Hawaiian Soldiers performed for a full house, and the ballroom was standing room only. Although the members in the group may have been a bit nervous, it seemed as if having the chance to perform one last time for service members in Iraq was worth it.

"It's awesome to be part of a group like this," said Sgt. Lorinda Ballesteros, medic with the 29th BCT. "It's our culture, and it's great to be able to have the opportunity to share that with other people one last time while we are here."

At the end of the show ,the dancers and band were met with an uproar of applause and praise; but as much as everyone liked the show, the Soldiers from the 29th BCT who showed up to watch and support their co-workers felt like they were at home already.

"It brings up the morale, especially for Soldiers from Hawaii," said Ballesteros. "When we sing these songs, it brings them back home and keeps them happy."

The 29th BCT is scheduled to re-deploy in January. As they return home they can leave with the thought that their culture has spread beyond the island of Hawaii and into the hearts and minds of everyone who has had a chance to see them perform during the past year.

• Date Taken: 12.29.2005
• Date Posted: 12.29.2005 11:56
• Story ID: 4224
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ