Photo By Sgt. Michael Alberts | Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, enjoy a...... read more read more
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by Spc. Mike Alberts
3rd BCT, 25th Inf. Div. PAO
KIRKUK, Iraq (November 25, 2006) – As a Soldier, he recalled Thanksgiving Day meals sitting on the front slope of a tank, amidst howling winds and sub-zero temperatures in a German field. More than two decades later, he was the one charged with ensuring that Soldiers didn't eat their holiday meal under similar conditions.
Hawaii native Sgt. Maj. Keith Castaneda, plans sergeant major, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, coordinated Thanksgiving Day festivities at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, Nov. 23.
Castaneda was born on the island of Oahu and raised on the "Big Island" of Hawaii. His main job is to assist the brigade staff in future operations, both tactically and administratively. Castenada was the primary non-commissioned officer in charge of developing "Operation Big Bird."
"Operation Big Bird is the term used to describe the Thanksgiving Day festivities," said the Honoka'a High School graduate. "Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to celebrate as a deployed unit. You will never prevent a Soldier from feeling home sick on a holiday. But 'Army Strong' is about being part of a team. Soldiers depend on each other, and Operation Big Bird is a way to recognize [our military family], build teamwork and break bread together," said Castaneda.
Soldiers kicked-off the holiday with a sunrise five-kilometer Turkey Trot Fun Run followed by a flag football game. After morning activities, Soldiers and their Iraqi guests enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal punctuated by ornate ice carvings and a red velvet cake that fed 1,000 people.
Castaneda's military roots run deep. Both grandfathers were part of the Hawaii Rifles, the predecessor to the Hawaii National Guard. One uncle was also a Hawaii guardsman, another retired from the Army as a master sergeant, and a third gave his life while serving as a Marine staff sergeant in Vietnam.
Castaneda recalled his first Thanksgiving as an unpleasant experience while serving in a postal unit in Germany. He committed himself to making sure that Soldiers felt at home on this Thanksgiving Day.
"The bottom line is that today is about Soldiers sitting together and enjoying a home-cooked meal," he emphasized. "In the end, we are here for each other and that's what this day is about."
One of those Soldiers who appreciated celebrating Thanksgiving with his military family was Pvt. Minor Adams, supply clerk, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3IBCT.
"The job we do out here is rough at times," said Adams, a native of Las Vegas, Nevada "But it's a job worth doing. I miss my wife, but on this Thanksgiving I'm celebrating with a different family, one that's just as important to me," he said.
| Date Taken: | 11.25.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 11.27.2006 11:29 |
| Story ID: | 8377 |
| Location: | KIRKUK, IQ |
| Web Views: | 131 |
| Downloads: | 43 |
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