Chistmas Eve In Iraq

It is tough on soldiers during the Holiday Season in Iraq. We all do what we can to enjoy the holidays, but the mission must go on. The war does not stop. With that said, our Task Force has soldiers on the battlefield conducting missions this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It is tough when I look a soldier in the eye and tell him he has to go on a mission tonight (Christmas Eve) and he will no be back until the day after Christmas. I had to do it though. Again, the war does not stop. Be that as it may, soldiers find a way to celebrate Christmas. Some even prefer to be outside the wire. They seem to have solitude with themselves believing in what they are doing, especially on Christmas Day.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
The lights are hung on several trailers serving as Tactical Operation Centers (TOC) or Command Posts (CP). I hung lights inside my personal room to give it a Christmas look and feel. It is amazing how creative soldiers can get. Just now, a soldier dressed in a Santa Claus outfit is walking around throwing candy around and shouting, "Merry Christmas". It is a beautiful site. I look out at the Ziggurat at imagine what it must have been like years ago when the inhabitants heard about the birth of Jesus Christ. I can almost imagine what it felt like for Joseph and Mary when they traveled to Bethlehem. It must have been a chilly night in the desert just like it is right now.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
To everyone back home, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.