172nd Infantry Brigade

Courtesy Story

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – The scent of popcorn and caramel apples filled the air and the sound of music echoed throughout the quad. Colorful lights strung around game booths lit the pathway for service members and civilians enjoying the Blackhawk Carnival festivities held at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Sept. 26.

With 172nd Infantry Brigade Soldiers preparing for redeployment, the carnival was a way to show appreciation for all the good work everyone has done over the past year, said Col. Jeffrey A. Sinclair, 172nd Inf. Bde. commander.

The carnival started with Soldiers in a mass formation. After a few words from Lt. Col. Jamie Gough, 172nd Inf. Bde. deputy commanding officer, the Soldiers scattered in every direction around the quad area to participate in the fun and games.

Reminiscent of a small hometown carnival, booths set up with games such as the hammer throw, ring toss, dart throw, three-point shootout and pellet gun marksmanship offered winners stuffed camels and prize tickets.

Prize tickets were used to win several different prizes including an Xbox and Guitar Hero guitar, during the prize drawing at the end of the night.

A makeshift dunking booth was a favorite throughout the evening as Soldiers had the opportunity to dunk many of their superiors and peers.

Among the various aromas was the smell of freshly-cooked funnel cakes and hot dogs. Long lines remained at each of these booths as people waited to fill their bellies with these traditional carnival treats.

"I couldn't believe it," said Spc. Angel Hood, mail clerk, 563rd Military Police Company, and Macon, Ga., native. "This actually felt like a real carnival back home. I was really surprised because I knew it would be cool but never expected it to be anything like this."

"It doesn't get any better than this during a deployment," said Sgt. Dexter Morrow. "I have been deployed before and never seen anything like this."

A Blackhawk carnival would not be a Blackhawk carnival if there wasn't a way for Soldiers to compete against each other and show their toughness. For the competitive people, events such as tug-of-war, arm wrestling, tight rope walking, Rock Band competitions and a pie-eating contest.

Soldiers also had the opportunity to watch as representatives from their units competed in donkey-cart races and Gator drag races.

Later, service members and civilians in attendance gathered around the stage to hear some motivating words from Sinclair and watch the ceremonial Blackhawk bonfire lighting toward the end of the carnival.

"We do this to show thanks for all your hard work done and to show appreciation," said Sinclair. "But, do not get complacent, for as we return back to Germany, we must return with honor."

Following the lighting of the bonfire, the sky lit up with a kaleidoscope of colors as the carnival ended with fireworks set off by Soldiers.

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