Sunday, December 26, 2004

Christmas In Iraq

Soldiers had a good Christmas day here in our FOB, as good as could be expected. On Christmas eve, 5 airmen followed a Santa around the chow hall and handed out candy. The male had on his helmut with antlers attached, body armor, some bells, and had his nose painted red. The 4 female airmen (I know, I know, but women in the Air Force are called female airmen) wore Santa hats, individual body armor, and elf hats, and various bows and red color splashes. Some sort of music was playing over loudspeakers set up for the occasion. Not Christmas music, though.

On Christmas day, I flew around Iraq in a Blackhawk helicopter, visiting soldiers with the General. We delivered mail and Christmas presents. Christmas dinner was pretty much the usual fare, but holiday oriented. Mashed potatos, gravy, stuffing, cranberry gel, etc. Did have a really nice selection of desserts. Army officers were serving the holiday meal, in accordance with a long-standing Army tradition. (Not sure if the AF has something similar). The Phillipino ladies who normally serve chow were dressed in holiday garb, and they walked around and giggled. A couple of them served dessert. They were all wearing short red dresses with spaghetti straps and white faux fur lining, high heels and bright red lipstick. I guess it might be interesting to some day spend Christmas in the Phillippines.

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