Photo By Spc. Jason Dangel | 1st Lt. Andrew Beston leads the 2005 Christmas Eve Candleight Service in a rendition...... read more read more
Pfc Jason W. Dangel
4th BCT, 4ID PAO
FORWARD OPERATION BASE PROSPERITY, Iraq - Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division won't be home for the holidays, but with some help from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, they are making the best of it.
Soldiers from the Vanguard Brigade's 4th Brigade Troops Battalion played host to the Ivy Division's Cobra Troopers during a series of Holiday festivities on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to make the holidays a little more joyous for Soldiers deployed in the combat zone.
"Let's remember what this Holiday season is all about. Hooah!" shouted Lt. Col. Vincent Quarles, commander, 4th BTB, 3rd Inf. Div.
"I know we're not home in the states right now, but we have all been blessed to be together as a team here today. We are a family," he said, do the Soldiers gathered at the 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.'s Family Readiness Group "Secret Santa" Gift Exchange.
The 4th BTB Christmas committee, headed by Chaplain (Capt.) Raynard Churchwell had a variety of activities for Soldiers to enjoy including a relay race, tug of war, a basketball tournament and a Christmas Eve candle light vigil scheduled for 11:30 p.m.
The troopers also received gifts and were treated to an assortment of Christmas cookies and other holiday foods, all provided by family members and 3rd Infantry Division Family Readiness Groups back home.
"I hope everyone is having a good time," Quarles said. "Our committee has put together a great evening for everyone."
The day kicked off with the basketball tournament and other outdoor activities and was followed by the gift exchange, while witty Soldiers from both divisions tested their musical abilities singing along to their favorite songs during karaoke.
"I hope everyone is having a great holiday season," said Sgt. Maj. William Price, Brigade Safety Officer, 4th BTB, as he took the microphone and the start of a classic song rang from the speakers.
"Here's a little something to make this holiday season a little better by the Temptations. Hit It!" he shouted.
As Soldiers danced, laughed and sang their favorite songs, some Soldiers still felt that there was something missing.
"I'll miss out on the family dinner this year," explained Staff Sgt. Clinton McCoy, plans noncommissioned officer, 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
The thing McCoy will miss the most about Christmas is watching his children open their presents.
"The look on their faces as they open their gifts really makes me happy. I'll miss that a lot," he said.
Later that night, Soldiers made their way over to the Forward Operating Base Prosperity Chapel for a candlelight vigil.
Hosted by Col. Edward Cardon, commander, 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., the candlelight vigil provided Soldiers an opportunity to join together in prayer and the singing of Christmas hymns at FOB Prosperity.
On Christmas Day, Soldiers from both divisions shortened their duty days to compete in a flag football tournament and to enjoy a hearty Christmas dinner served in portions to make a mess sergeant proud.
Soldiers enjoyed hot roasted turkey, ham, roast pig and prime rib with all the fixings: stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables and a wide variety of sweet pies and cakes.
| Date Taken: | 01.10.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 01.10.2006 13:24 |
| Story ID: | 5067 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 190 |
| Downloads: | 40 |
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