Christmas in Al Anbar

Life doesn’t give you time-outs. The clock doesn’t stop so that you can better deal with whatever hardships or difficulties you may be experiencing. Likewise, war doesn’t screech to a halt during the Holiday Season.  The enemy does not recognize Christmas. They don’t circle December 25^th on their calendars and scribble “Don’t kill any Americans today” in Arabic below it. When you’re in a combat zone, it’s a little harder to get into the spirit.

But you know what? We have Christmas trees in almost every office. Some of us have little trees in our rooms, surrounded by presents in festive wrapping. Some offices have decorated more than others. Everybody is receiving care packages from back home. Children from local schools in our hometowns have sent us beautiful cards. We are all eating way too much holiday candy. The stuff is everywhere.

When you go to the chow hall, there is a six foot Christmas tree surrounded by big boxes that are wrapped as gifts. The metal support poles that line the chow hall are wrapped from top to bottom in wrapping paper. When you come out of the serving line, and enter the area with the salad bars, there is Christmas music playing.

We are still fighting a war in a very deadly region. We are still focused, and working hard. We work our shifts and immerse ourselves in the mission and make the most of each moment. But we are completely aware of the spirit of the Holidays that is happening in our homes. We hum Christmas tunes. We want to be there, but we accept that we cannot. Many of us will use an instant messenger service and web-cam or satellite phone to see and hear our loved ones on Christmas day. Technology does shorten the miles, and for that we are definitely thankful. I know folks who are going caroling around the FOB. And I am willing to bet my next paycheck that someone will dress up as Santa Claus and travel around the FOB making visits.

But in the big picture out here, it’s just another day. And unless I can spend December 25th with my children, Christmas will be unique flavor of bittersweet this year. And of course I can't, so it will. But it is another day down – a number scratched out on a calendar – a symbol of progress- a reminder to count your blessings, not your difficulties - and 24 hours closer to finishing this chapter of life and returning to those things that we know and love.

Thank you for all the support this Holiday Season. It means a lot. And Merry Christmas from the Al Anbar Province.



“Next week, Americans will gather to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah. Many families will be praying for loved ones spending this season far from home -- in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other dangerous places. Our nation joins in those prayers. We pray for the safety and strength of our troops. We trust, with them, in a love that conquers all fear, in a light that reaches the darkest corners of the Earth.”                                      -The President of the United States of America

links: digg this    del.icio.us    technorati    reddit