Soldiers of 4th Infantry Division Multi-National Division - Baghdad ring in New Year

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Christopher Mitchell, a McGregor, Texas, native, who serves in the Ironhorse Visitors Bureau, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, throws some dice at the craps table while Sgt. Michael Nieves, a Fayetteville, N.C., native, who serves with Company C, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B, and Capt. Kate Caughlin, a native of Bethesda, Md., who also serves with the IVB, watch during "Across the Nation" New Year's celebration inside the stadium in front of division headquarters on Camp Liberty, Dec. 31. The Quarterback Club organized the party to help Soldiers celebrate New Year's by bringing a Vegas-like casino setting, a Texas house party setting and a New York '80's dance party theme to Baghdad.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.31.2008

Story by Spc. Benjamin Crane 

Multi-National Division Baghdad

By Spc. Benjamin Crane
Multi-National Division - Baghdad

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Soldiers of 4th Infantry Division and Multi-National Division – Baghdad gathered together inside the Stadium in front of division headquarters on Camp Liberty to celebrate the arrival of the new year, Dec. 31.

Being away from home doesn't mean that Soldiers need to also be away from holiday celebration, and with the help of the Quarterback Club and the 4th Infantry Division Band, they didn't miss a beat.

The "Across The Nation" New Year's celebration helped many Ironhorse Soldiers feel like they were back at home by bringing a Vegas-like casino setting, a Texas house party setting and a New York 80's dance party theme to them.

"It's a New Year's Eve party that we put together," said Maj. Michael McGregor, a Roaring Springs, Pa., native, who serves as deputy director of the division human resources section, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B. "We have New York represented; we have Texas, which is kind of our home party; and then we have Las Vegas, which represents the western part of the United States.

"We kind of tried to appeal to all the people that might be coming. For guys that like to stay at home and watch TV, we have Texas. We have New York for guys that like big crowds, who like to be out there partying and having a good time. And then we have Las Vegas, with game tables where you can kind of chill out and do a little gambling."

Dance-offs, gambling and loud cheering were signs of Soldiers taking a break to enjoy a night to kick up their heels and have a good time.

"We just want to boost the morale. This is our second New Year's here, and so we wanted to boost the morale of everybody in headquarters and have them come to have a good time," said McGregor.

Morale boosting was the name of the game on this night and the Soldiers who attended enjoyed every bit of it.

"I'm here to have a good time with the staff," said Staff Sgt. Keslet Cineas, a Miami native, who serves on the commanding general's personal security detail, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Inf. Div. "It's just to have great time with everybody."

Awards from the Quarterback Cub for the entire past year's events were handed out to sections that had the best decorations for their offices. The Staff Judge Advocate section came away with the prize football and even displayed a little dancing ability.

"This evening clearly brought a lot of great morale," said Col. Peter Utely, chief of staff, 4th Inf. Div. and MND-B. "I tell you what, there were some awesome dancers out there tonight," he said with a smile. "Thanks to all of you for what you do every day because every one of you makes a difference."

After the countdown, the party poppers and the thrown confetti, the Soldiers streamed out, heading back to their rooms with smiles on their faces and maybe a glimmer of hope and comfort that next year they will be with their families, remembering where they were on this brand new day of another brand new year.

• Date Taken: 12.31.2008
• Date Posted: 01.01.2009 07:55
• Story ID: 28352
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ