Crossing cultures: CAB celebrates Mexican holiday with Iraqi Air Force

Photo By Sgt. Roland Hale | Iraqi air force Brig. Gen. Nadhem Lefta (left) talks with Brig. Gen. Kevin Mangum (back to camera) May 5 during a Cinco de Mayo celebration at Camp Taji, Iraq. Mangum is pictured here wearing the Big Red One patch on his left shoulder, which he was given in honor of his visit with the Combat Aviation Brigade. Normally, Mangum wears the 1st Armored Division shoulder patch.  

CAMP TAJI, IRAQ

05.05.2010

Story by Spc. Roland Hale 

Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Senior leaders of the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, hosted Iraqi air force Brig. Gen. Nadhem Lefta and other leaders of the Iraqi military during a Cinco de Mayo celebration held at Camp Taji May 5.

The invite was part of a social partnership between U.S. and Iraqi forces and is the first time the brigade has hosted an event for their counterparts in the Iraqi air force.

"We'll typically get together with our partners in the Iraqi air force once a month. Every other month is hosted by us," said Command Sgt. Maj. James Thomson, the senior non-commissioned officer of the brigade. "This month we picked the fifth of May to show the diversity within our armed forces. In the U.S. Army we have folks from all walks of life, and we respect the diverse cultures. Hopefully we can show them they too can broaden their sensitivities."

With this interest in mind, the Iraqis were introduced to several aspects of Hispanic heritage, from tacos to sombreros.

"Where is [the] tequila?" asked an Iraqi officer, who seemed to already have a feel for the holiday.

While the air of the night was calm and relaxed, the intent of the partnership remains a strategically significant aspect to the success of U.S. and Iraqi operations in Iraq. Amid conversations about culture and family were whispers of future operations, the ideals and perseverance of democracy and the fast-approaching drawdown of U.S. forces.

"Throughout the course of the operation, it's important we get together and socialize and discuss challenges as a military operating here," said Thomson. "The more success they have, the easier it'll be for us to conduct our responsible drawdown and return U.S. troops home."

Thomson and other senior leaders of the brigade plan to continue the new tradition of social partnership with the Iraqi air force. Next month, it will be Nadhem's turn to give the aviators from Kansas a taste of Iraqi culture.

• Date Taken: 05.05.2010
• Date Posted: 05.06.2010 10:27
• Story ID: 49227
• Location: CAMP TAJI, IQ