However, for the military members stationed at Joint Base Balad (JBB), Iraq, to include Soldiers of Task Force 34, Thanksgiving was just another workday. Despite the distance and separation, the command staff prepared something special to help the Soldiers remember the holiday.

“Today was a celebration for our Soldiers overseas who are away from families,” said MSG Rudolph Brown, Food Advisor. “This is one way we show our appreciation in the military that we appreciate what they are doing.”

Dining Facility 4 (DFac 4) at JBB decorated their establishment to the hilt with the supplies they had available. A turkey statue made of potato chips, a pilgrims’ boat made of hard noodles and pop tarts and a number of other elaborate food decorations that put a smile on many of the patrons faces as they ‘ooo’d’ and ‘awed’ at the festive and very innovative decorations.

“They are putting out a plethora of food for Soldiers and civilians; it is amazing how it can change the attitude of so many people,” said CW4 Dibble, 3-159 Assault Helicopter Regiment.

Those who normally serve the food were also given a nice surprise during the holiday.

“This is the day of tradition that we do in the military, New Years Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas,” MSG Brown said. “The leadership comes in and serves the troops so the cooks can enjoy the festivities along with the rest of the troops. “

The leadership of Task Force 34 rotated shifts throughout the day to serve not only their own Soldiers, but all the military members and civilians who came to DFac 4 to eat Thanksgiving lunch.

“It is an opportunity to let the other troops see you,” said 1SG Craig Heggerston, First Sergeant, Headquarters Support Company, 834th Aviation Support Battalion. “Many times we get focused in our own lanes, and we don’t want to lose track of where things really happen, and that is at the Soldier level.”

“If we have an opportunity like this to mentally stand down a little bit, come together, with a command goal and realize we are here for the same common goal which is to do our jobs, do it well and return home to our families,” said 1SG Heggerston the native of Center City, Minn.

As the lunch rush came and went, a few Soldiers reflected about the holiday they were spending away from their families and friends who were back in the United States.

“We are all going through different struggles, but in the military we are like a family,” said Spc. Nancy Charlton, Movement Specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Task Force 34.

“At the end of the day, we are family when we are away from our own families,” said CW4 Dibble. “That is how we come together in the military.”

SGT Lynette Hoke, Public Affairs Journalist
27 Nov., 2008