~~Christmas in Iraq~~

EXman

Lifer
Jul 12, 2001
20,079
15
81
Just wanted to share a personal note (e-mail) from my cousin Martin in Iraq. Regards on how you feel about Iraq we have people on the ground there and as you all celebrate Christmas with your families these brave soldiers spend this time away from theirs. As many of you don't have a relative there but still wish good tidings for our troops and wonder what Christmas is like in Iraq I thought I'd post this. He is at a Foward Operating Base (FOB) somewhere in Iraq Due to security matters he cannot say where his base is located.
Merry Christmas EXman's Family,

I hope all of you are have a good Christmas. Christmas definitely wasn't the same this year, but it was a good day, nonetheless. It was another work day for us at the TMC (troop medical clinic). I'm guessing that lots of the soldiers were given the day off, because I only had one patient in the dental clinic today (compared to the usual 8-12). I was able to escape for the 1000 Christmas service at the chapel. Lunch was great?fabulous turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, etc. Tonight, I was even able to call Shauna and talk to her for over an hour via my internet phone service. I called my parents, too. My mom sounded like she was doing better than usual.

Shauna, Ellie (5), and Andrew (3) flew to Colorado for Christmas. They are enjoying the time with both my family and hers. I attached a picture of them in their Christmas outfits on their way to a Christmas Eve service at our old church in CO. Also attached is a picture of me with the little tree that Shauna sent me for my clinic.

The situation here in Iraq does seem to have calmed down greatly. There are far less mortar and rocket attacks on our FOB. I feel safer than ever. I guess the Surge had the desired effect. They have recently told us that we will be going home in April. Three and a half months has never seemed so short a time. I finally feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you for all your prayers. Merry Christmas!

Martin

Short and sweet he's a tough guy with a big heart. Never a complaint.

Merry Christmas to all Armed forces serving abroad.




 

UberNeuman

Lifer
Nov 4, 1999
16,937
3,087
126
Merry Christmas, to him his family and all. And many hopes that he'll be home next year to enjoy x-mas at home.