Christmas tree arrives in Taji

Photo By Lt. Col. Allen Hing | Capt. Jason Bowers, a Daggett, Mich. native, Master Sgt. Agaluma Filoialii, a native of American Samoa, Capt. Timothy Cho, a Honolulu native, Lt. Col. David Davidson, a Lewisburg, Tenn. native, Maj. Gustav Waterhouse, an Eva Beach, Hawaii native and Master Sgt. Anthony Rodriguez, a Wahiawa, Hawaii native, stand next to the decorated Christmas tree at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, Dec. 10. The Soldiers are assigned to 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad.  

TAJI, IRAQ

12.16.2008

Story by Canadian Forces LCol Allen Hing 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Maj. Al Hing
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Public Affairs Office

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The Warriors received a touch of home when a live pine tree with full complement of lights and decorations arrived Dec. 10 after an extensive journey.

The tree's travels started in central Tennessee when a group of women who call themselves "Moms on a Mission" from Marshal County, Tenn. purchased the tree, wrapped it up and express mailed the gift to Iraq on Nov. 29. After 11 days of travel, it was received by the waiting Warriors of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

The smell of fresh pine wafted through the building as the Civil Affairs team opened the box and unwrapped the tree.

"I was really, happily surprised to find a green, live tree that had spent so much time getting to us," said Maj. Gustav Waterhouse, Brigade Civil Affairs Officer, 2nd SBCT. "The smell of pine brought me back to when I was a kid back on the East Coast when we were getting ready to decorate the Christmas tree. It reminds me of growing up in the snow, and all the winter fun we had as kids."

The decorations were mostly handmade and accompanied the tree in its package. The box was full of paper cut out bells, handmade bead wreaths and hand painted glass ornaments.

"It took time for the kids to make these, and I'm proud to put these on the tree for them," said Master Sgt. Agaluma Filoialii, a native of American Samoa. "They may not know me, but their work makes me feel like they did this just for me."

The lights went on, then the tinsel and then each decoration was put on the tree. Numerous times, the Soldiers commented on each ornament, what they were, and exchanged smiles and laughter.

"This is a piece of home for those of us who can't be home... our second Christmas away from loved ones," said Capt. Jason Bowers a Daggett, Mich. native, and Civil Affairs officer for 2nd SBCT. "We're here, but it brings back great memories. We're making great things happen here, and someday those will be memories for me to think about... because someone cared enough to send us a part of home."

Another Warrior fully agreed with the sentiment.

"This brings memories of togetherness, and family. It reminds me of home," said Capt. Bethany Vollmer, a native of Tifton, Ga., the collection manager, for 2nd SBCT. "We're in Iraq, but we're not so far when you look at the family here, and when someone cares enough to send us a tree, there's family everywhere for us."

The Warrior Deputy Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. David Davidson, whose family hails from the area who sent the Christmas tree and ornaments, sent his heartfelt thanks. "I can't begin to express how grateful I am to have a little piece of home during the Christmas season, my family and I are spending our second Christmas in a row apart, as are thousands of other Soldiers serving here in Iraq around the world. This gesture gives all of us a little piece of home and a moment to pause and remember why we do what we do," said Davidson. "A very Merry Christmas and blessed New Year to you all, thank you very much from all of us."

• Date Taken: 12.16.2008
• Date Posted: 12.16.2008 02:03
• Story ID: 27726
• Location: TAJI, IQ