Dreaming of a white Christmas at Camp Phoenix

Photo By Sgt. James Sims | Soldiers from the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team serenade their fellow Soldiers with Christmas carols at Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan.  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.25.2008

Story by Spc. Luke Austin 

33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team

By Spc. Luke S. Austin
33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team

CAMP PHOENIX, KABUL, Afghanistan – So this is Christmas.

It's that time of year again and Camp Phoenix is in the holiday spirit. Carolers are out and about and there are plenty of "Merry Christmas" greetings to go around.

"I couldn't believe it," said Staff Sgt. Anthony Flam, the Headquarters and Headquarters Company Operations Sergeant for the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "I came out and there were carolers. They actually put a smile on my face."

As service members of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VIII find their own ways to enjoy Christmas in Afghanistan, there are still things that make Christmas special to some that can't be found here. There's no snow lain across the ground, no mountain of gifts under the tree, and most importantly, families are missed.

"It's a special time of year when all of my family comes to spend time together," said Sgt. Katy Dean, a human resources non-commissioned officer here for the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "I definitely miss them, but I have a mission at hand, and my family understands that. It'll make next year's celebration that much more enjoyable."

And even without the traditional scenes of Christmas, Camp Phoenix continues to make the best of the holiday season.

The dining facility took the spotlight of attention on Dec. 25. Officers and senior-enlisted leaders served lunch to the hundreds of Task Force Phoenix VIII members bustling through the lines. Service members got to sit among comrades surrounded by numerous Christmas displays, including a magnificent display of holiday cakes, said Dean.

Maj. Gen. Richard P. Formica, Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan commander, made a special appearance to greet the service members of CJTF Phoenix VIII and enjoy a Christmas meal with them.

Although many members of CJTF Phoenix VIII have home on their minds this Christmas season, they were still quite amazed with the great lengths Camp Phoenix staff went through to make the day special for everyone, said Spc. Stacy McDonial, HHC 634th Logistical Task Force.

"The hardest part is not being home with my son," he said. "I'm just staying cheerful and surrounding myself with happy people. It's an exciting experience none the less, I'll never forget it."

So as the day continues to bring holiday greetings and good spirits, service members here are pleased with the luxuries of the holiday they are able to enjoy so far away from home: decorations, a holiday feast and, for some, even gifts in the mail sent from loved ones. There's still one thing missing from this holiday season - Camp Phoenix continues dreaming of a white Christmas.

• Date Taken: 12.25.2008
• Date Posted: 12.25.2008 07:37
• Story ID: 28129
• Location: KABUL, AF