Nov. 23, 2006
SR# 112306-##
By Spc. Ryan Stroud
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
BAQUBAH, Iraq (Nov. 23, 2006) – While Thanksgiving is usually a traditional, family-filled day, Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, did not have the opportunity to join their families this year. Instead, the “Grey Wolf” Soldiers are deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08.
Though Thanksgiving was a difficult day for many, the Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Warhorse celebrated the day the best way they knew how – an event-filled day focused on boosting morale and allowing them to reflect on all they are thankful for.
The morning started early for some Grey Wolf Soldiers as they gathered during the dark, cold Iraq morning, ready to run, have fun and build cohesion at the "Turkey Trot 5k Run." Soldiers from 3rd BCT were joined by members of the Air Force as well as some military police K-9s for the morning festivities.
"The 'Turkey Trot 5k Run' … was a motivational, inspirational bonding experience to help inspire our fellow Soldiers to stay in shape and to keep doing [physical training]," said Sgt. Jason Balgos, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd BCT and a native of Mt. Pelier, Vt.
The run was a positive team-building event allowing everyone to spend time together while completing a common goal, he added.
"This is our new family,” Balgos said. “[The run] really does bring everybody together."
Thanksgiving Day continued as the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion hosted a prayer breakfast for the Soldiers.
"We wanted to get everyone together from all the units to have a prayer breakfast and share the holiday spirit with each other," said Pfc. Javonna Pittman, 3rd BSTB Chaplains' assistant and a native of Colmesneil.
"We want the Soldiers to remember, while in Iraq, that they do have a family -- their Army family," she added. "We want them to know that we do care about them and we are here to help if they ever need anything."
The prayer brought Soldiers together to sing, worship and to spend quality time together, said Pittman.
During the event, Col. David Sutherland and Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Felt, the Grey Wolf commander and command sergeant major, were present to speak to the Soldiers and help them to remember the fallen Soldiers who have recently passed away in support of OIF 06-08.
As a special treat for the service members in attendance, music was provided by a group of Soldier-filled choir who gathered to sing for everyone.
"We were really blessed to have the Full Gospel Choir Team come and sing for us," said Pittman. "They were really great."
The Soldiers of Grey Wolf were also treated to a Thanksgiving dinner spearheaded by the brigade leadership. Everyone from majors to first sergeants served the Soldiers their Thanksgiving meal consisting of traditional holiday food such as ham, turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes and more.
"All the officers were serving our meals!" said Spc. Darold Decoe, HHC, 215th Brigade Support Battalion, and a native of Vancouver, Wa. "That was cool."
"There was a nice atmosphere inside the dining facility," he continued. "Music was playing and the food was great. It was all very nice."
Decoe also said he was surprised at the food that was served and how it reminded him of home.
"It was excellent food and the turkey was perfect," he said
Though he was away from his family, who Decoe said he missed dearly, he was happy to spend time with his brothers-in-arms for the holiday.
"I have gotten pretty close with the guys out here," said Decoe. "Being with these guys for Thanksgiving was very nice. They are a lot like family to me."
Soldiers at FOB Warhorse were also given the opportunity to take part in the Professional Golf Association Celebrity Tour, an event sponsored by the United Service Organizations.
For Spc. Randy Flores, a native of San Antonio assigned to Company D, 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, the PGA tour was the most special part of his Thanksgiving, allowing him the opportunity to take time away from re-fitting vehicles and patrolling the Baqubah area.
"It was nice to get the time away," Flores said as he spoke about meeting the seven PGA golfers who spent their Thanksgiving away from their families to visit deployed Soldiers.
"This makes it alright though – seeing that there's other people willing to take time away from their families to come see us," he added.
The day of festivities ended with the first leg of a basketball tournament at Sallie Gym. Soldiers from different units teamed up for morale-boosting fun on the court.
"A lot of us have gotten together for a basketball tournament to celebrate Thanksgiving," said Staff Sgt. Marvitis Dupree, HHC, 3rd BSTB and a native of Detroit.
"Playing takes your mind off the environment that you are in," he added. "It's also to celebrate and have fun with those around you. We're exercising and staying in shape while playing a sport on the day where people love to eat a lot of food."
Dupree said basketball on Thanksgiving was also a way to meet other Soldiers going through the same feelings troops might be feeling while away from their family.
"It also builds cohesion with the Soldiers that you don’t know," he said. "They're in the same position that you are in. They are away from their family too, so this is a way for all of us to get together and celebrate by playing sports."
After his game had completed, Dupree reflected on the day's events and said he enjoyed the time spent with his fellow Soldiers, especially ending the day with a hard game of basketball.
"I think there needs to be more functions like these," he said. "It keeps the morale of the Soldiers up and it gives them something to look forward to."
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