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CHRISTMAS IN IRAQ -- [Word Around the Net]
Last year I wrote about how even Muslims wanted Christians to come back to Iraq because they were neighbors, friends, and fellow citizens - good ones at that. Christmas was celebrated, quietly, but non-Christians came ...
Baghdad Throws Its First Ever Public Christmas Celebration (Video) -- [CNN]
Baghdad celebrates first public Christmas amid hope, memories — BAGHDAD, Iraq — From a distance, it looks like an apparition: a huge multi-colored hot-air balloon floating in the Baghdad sky, bearing a large poster of Jesus Christ. Below it, an Iraqi flag.
Coalition Forces positioned for Santa......... -- [One Marine's View]
We have currently two infantry squads that have been inserted into the well known areas of movement of Santa and his leading reindeer. They have multiple heads up display surface to air man packs to thrawrt any attempts at hostile terrorists taking a pop shot at him during his approaching flight plan.
Forces in place for Operation "SC" -- [One Marine's View]
All forces are in place and have commenced patrols for Operation “SC” to begin. A small interaction of bad guys was distinguished recently but that’s why we have these forces abroad to take care of the light work before the raider fly.
In this rare photo we can see SC & Mrs “C” moving into a prepositioned strike force position “unknown” but suitable for conducting the annual gift distribution.
Troops Celebrate Christmas
Christmas Eve Notes -- [The Intrepid Reporter - in Iraq]
OK Folks:
I promised photos from outside the wire, but I haven’t made a trip that allowed me to take said pics. Not that there’s been any danger, more of the line that A) It’s Christmas Eve and B) The only run I made out there was to hit the duty free to get a goodly supply of booze to insure I would be well lubricated through what I consider to be some insanely tough times. I’ve been trying for six plus times over the past week or so to go get with my friends at another FOB to spend the holidays with them.
Christmas -- [Wings Over Iraq - in Iraq]
So Christmas was a little unexpected, but interesting. I woke up and went for a run, and much to my surprise, I saw a few Soldiers dressed as Santa, Elves and Reindeer being pulled along in a sleigh down the street, all the while dancing in the sleigh. It was also a further surprise to find out that they were some of our own Soldiers, and that they were making a visit to our very own dining facility.
Christmas Time Again! -- [Chris' Almost-Daily Update - in Iraq]
The Christmas season has been different than usual, to be sure. Being away from friends and family has been difficult. It's a different scenery and a different climate than I'm used to as well. But we have a few decorations around, and the care packages have been pouring in from friends and strangers alike. The Have a Heart/Adopt A Soldier organization has sent most of our unit packages! But ...
Hanukkah in Iraq -- [BlackFive]
Chaplain Capt. Andrew Cohen leads the Sabbath evening worship during the sixth day of Hanukkah at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the victory over Greek oppression, the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.
Celebrating Hanukkah In Iraq
Christmas, A Brief Update -- [Fraser in **** - in ****]
...Anyway, Mantra-Of-The-Day was “Best Christmas Ever!” We figured if we said it enough, we might start to believe it. Calling on the phone was a joke. First it took about 15 minutes to get through, then there was that annoying time delay in the conversation, and then at any moment the line dropped off. So it was pretty much a one-way conversation: “Hello (insert name here), this was the Best Christmas EVER!” Wait for a response… “Hello??” Then the line then gets cut off.
Caritas -- [Grim - in Iraq]
If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don't have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing. If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don't have love, it profits me nothing....
Congratulations: -- [Grim - in Iraq]
...Christmas is nearly over here -- the sun is setting even now. I hope your Christmas is a good one. As for me, I had the occasion to listen to the son of an African King give a sermon while wearing the uniform of an officer of the United States; a sermon he read to a chivalry gathered in a foreign land in order to free it of a heritage of tyranny.
At the end of the last hymn, the chaplain said, "Now we must blow out the candles. Perhaps we should sing happy birthday." And we did.
Raw Troops in Iraq Celebrate Christmas
Christmas Humor of the Day -- [Wings Over Iraq - in Iraq]
I know many of you dream of a White Christmas, and for those of you in Upstate NY, that's pretty much a given. Nevertheless, don't be so desperate for a White Christmas that you need to grab a fire extinguisher and spray ...
Three Marines singing.... Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas -- [Soldiering On - in Iraq]
A parish priest began his sermon last night with these songs about Christmas and home and reminded me that they were written in WW2 and were the most popular songs at that time with both soldiers and home front types because of the sentiments they convey.
The "chance of feasts" and "prying to God" -- Christmas cards Iraqi style [HILLAS' HISTORIES - in Iraq]
I get all sorts of interesting communications from Iraqis in our province, especially during the holiday season. Some of them provide a linguistic twist that provides an extra element of amuzement. Take for instance the Christmas e-card below. It is the thought, of course, that counts.
Christmas tree in Iraq
Christmas in Baghdad -- [RightwingSparkle]
He knows firsthand how difficult the lot of Christians in Iraq is but, he tells me, "We are just attesting that things are changing in Baghdad, slowly, but we hope that this change actually is real. We will wait for the future to tell ...
Joseph L. Galloway: Remember the empty chairs at holiday tables [Michael Yon]
I have my own memories of holidays spent with soldiers and Marines in combat zones from Vietnam to the Persian Gulf to Iraq. The first was Christmas in An Khe with the 1st Cavalry Division in 1965. The newly arrived division and my ...
Christmas in Iraq.
Soldiers turning vehicles in parade floats for a Christmas parade in Iraq
A Good Afternoon -- [Zen Travler - in Iraq]
The littlest dancer
We returned to the Baghdad Ballet School to deliver some gifts that were generously donated by a similar school in Mobile, Alabama. It was a great afternoon and I got a chance to interact with a lot of the kids. I laughed because
Twas The Night Before Deployment -- [Down Range 46 - heading for Iraq]
There was very little color present, other than the digital camouflage of an Army uniform. There were no stockings hung by the chimney, if there were they would smell to high heaven. But, the spirit of the holiday was thick and there were candies and cookies to munch on.
A Visit from the Pope -- [The Left Captain - in Afghanistan]
Christmas is complete here in Afghanistan and it is back to business as usual. The holiday tone here was quiet, reserved. At a forward operating base, just having a down day is a gift. There isn't much reason to celebrate Christmas here. I was just happy to know that all of my family back home were safe and happy, and enjoying this time of the year.
Christmas in Pushtunistan -- [Long Warrior - in Afghansitan]
Christmas is just about through. The party went off without a hitch. All of our Afghan counterparts came over our compound for some carols, Santa hats, a present lottery, and big plates of Christmas food. I also shared the baklava [thanks]; it was a big hit. The TOC (main office) is now just a big room with people exchanging little secrets and stories of what they did the last time they were deployed.
Thank You Ray Charles... -- [Embrace The Suck - in Afghanistan]
Not only for my sake but for the sake's of all you folks out there who are thinking of us, or missing your own soldier, or just patriotic and worried about us while we are here and you are there.
We just had our Christmas Dinner. And let me say this, Christmas here is wonderful just in a little bit different way than it is at home. Now as I sit here listening to Ray Charles's song, "That Spirit of Christmas" This is what comes to mind.
Santa Claus is coming to town... -- [Castle Argghhh!!!]
...Royal Marine Afstan cover version
He's laid his guns in,
And he's ready to fight;
Gonna rain steel
On the mujis tonight.
Tommy Claus is coming to town.
Afghanistan: British Troops Wear Santa Hats to Fight the Taliban After Being Attacked While Singing Christmas Carols..... -- [Daily Mail]
What Christmas truce? Carol service for our troops on the Afghan frontline ends with a blast of reality from the Taliban
It was dusk in Helmand. And as the sun set over the baked earth, commandos wearing Santa hats gathered round the war memorial and began a simple chorus of carols.
Then the Taliban attacked.
There was no time for the troops to think or even to take off their festive hats.
Any hopes of a Christmas truce, when hostilities cease and foes become friends for a few precious hours, were dashed in an instant.
Twas the Night Before Christmas -- [MoD News]
Thousands of miles from their loved ones, Royal Marines sing Christmas carols in Afghanistan – moments before Taliban forces staged a surprise attack. The troops, from 40 Commando Royal Marines, were attempting to bring a touch of ...
The Things They Sent -- [The Left Captain - in Afghanistan]
This is a cool thing, because there is no easy way to buy any luxury items out here. There is a weekly bazaar and a few small shops run by the Afghans, but you can't get simple American things like a bag of M&Ms, or some deodorant or dental floss, or a pack of gum. You can get plenty of black market DVDs, fake Oakleys, and poorly made Chinese and Pakistani electronics.
Periodically I am touched by the messages that people send with the packages-- they seem motivated because their own children have served in the military, or they themselves served during an earlier conflict.
City native in Afghanistan sends Christmas wishes [Peterborough Ex.]
A local soldier wants to send holiday greetings to his many friends in Peterborough.
Capt. Dave Lincoln is stationed at the Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan and will spend the Christmas season overseas.
Survive, Evade, Resist, Escape -- [Town Hall - Kevin McCullough]
Don't let it be misunderstood. Those who serve in our nation's military espouse values that confuse the left, confound their purpose, and leave them unable to understand, much less resonate with our service men and women. This week I saw why.
Well I Guess There Is No Way Around This... -- [Embrace The Suck - in Afghanistan]
So it's Christmas Eve, tomorrow will be Christmas. So let me begin by saying Merry Christmas to all and to all...ah I can't finish that sentence. Not because of any particular animosity toward Christmas, I actually love Christmas, but just because it is so damn cliché that I can't finish the sentence.
We Wish You A Merry Christmas -- [Jules Crittenden]
The attack, on Christmas Day last year, illustrates the relentless call of duty faced by our troops on the front line. In Afghanistan, 8000 will celebrate the season this way. A further 4100 will spend the military’s final Christmas Day ...
Christmas in Afghanistan - [The Corner - Kevin D. Williamson]
I noticed a message on the Facebook page of an old friend currently serving in Afghanistan. People keep asking him what they can send him for a Christmas care package, and his answer is blankets, coats,
Military center tracking Santa's sleigh ride
The military personnel charged with being the eyes in the sky are certainly acting like he does _ and they've been joined on the Internet by millions of believers.
Even doubters have reason to pause when they hear the North American Aerospace Defense Command _ or NORAD, which monitors air and space threats against the U.S. and Canada _ is in charge of the annual Christmas mission to keep children informed of Santa's worldwide journey to their homes.
For God so loved the world -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
Ghosts of Christmas past.
It was late evening when I walked by and looked into the room.
Both legs gone, way up. The rest covered with bandages and surgical draping, even his face. ...
...I asked his nurse if I could gown up and go in. I wanted to stand with him.
It was Christmas Eve.
Podcast of Christmas 4 the Troops
We had over 1000 deployed troops listening to this special program put on for them. Some even chatted with us in the chatrooms.
Christmas at Camp David: For Bush, 1 last visit -- [The Associated Press]
Bush spent part of Christmas Eve morning phoning US troops stationed around the world from Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland's Catoctin
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS -- [The Sandbox]
Welcome to The Sandbox, our command-wide milblog, featuring comments, anecdotes, and observations from service members currently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. This is GWOT-lit's forward position, offering those in-country a chance ...
USO's music, comedy lifts troops' spirits -- [Wa-Times]
"The almost universal comment I get from everyone I meet in uniform is, thanks for bringing them," he said of the USO tour, "because it's something that just gets their minds off it, and they really appreciate it."
Such Christmas tours are a time-honored tradition since the USO was founded in 1941 during World War II. Past entertainers have included Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Marilyn Monroe, bringing U.S. troops far from families a bit of home during the holidays.
There was little rest for Adm. Mullen, his wife and the entertainers, who took brief naps during a full day of shows and flights.
Musician Kid Rock performs during the USO's Christmas tour of foreign bases, including Forward Operating Base Sharana in Afghanistan. "It's about you," he told the troops.
“I’ll be home for Christmas” -- [Sandgram - home from Iraq]
For the first time in 10 years, I will be home for Christmas this year. See, Santa always shows up early for Airline pilots and Military personnel who are on the road serving somewhere in the world during this holiday, at least, that is what I tell my kids. Having resigned to the fact that I would be gone each year, I made a promise to myself to have as much fun as I could and share the joy of Christmas with the other poor souls stuck with me on this awesome holiday.
Soldiers come home in time for Christmas -- [KSL TV]
Just in time for Christmas, 14 soldiers of the Utah National Guard returned home to Utah today after serving nearly 12 months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
...Now it's time to hug those too young to understand and share emotions with those who will never forget.
Returning Soldiers Make Christmas Merry -- [Kansas City News]
Returning Soldiers Make Christmas Merry. Army Reserves 445th Medical Detachment Were Deployed In Afghanistan. ...
After 15 Months in Iraq, Home for Christmas -- [Soldiers’ Voices - Baghdad Bureau]
For soldiers in my unit, the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment (S.C.R.), this Christmas will be an unforgettable time of wonder and merriment spent with families after being deployed for fifteen months in Iraq. ...
We'll be home Friday -- [Courage without Fear - home from Iraq]
Soldiers from 126th Cavalry to return Friday from Kuwait, Iraq
WYOMING -- About 330 Michigan National Guard soldiers will return home Friday following an 11-month deployment to Kuwait and Iraq. Friends and family will gather at Resurrection Life Church, 5100 Ivanrest SW, in Wyoming at 2 p.m. for a welcome home ceremony.
That's All Folks! -- [Something on Staff - home from Iraq]
Well, I'm back in the good old U S of A.
We handed over the mission to the new team, and they managed to burn down the mess hall within 3 hours of taking over. The quality of our food acutally improved after that. We trucked in meals instead of eating what our chemically mellowed cook would have made. Even Emeril can't cook on Prozac.
Our Twelve Days of Christmas in Iraq..........VIDEO (Hilarious)
1st Battallion 4th Marines, Bravo Company 3rd Platoon. Out of ECP1 in Fallujah, Iraq. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us through the first half of our deployment. This project was a challenge for me but in the end quite worth it. Merry Christmas everyone! -Nick Hesselgrave
1- full resupply of TP
2- megafones
3- crappy humvees
4- portajohns
5- hours of sleep
6- rusty dumbells
7- months deployment
8- IPs(iraqi police) dancing
9- sentries standing
10- hours posting
11- bags of trash
12- freakin' flies!
Merry Christmas, an Iraqie spoof, No SANTA?
