USD-C 'Tropic Lightning' Soldier relives gift of giving during holidays

Photo By Spc. Jesus Aranda | Sgt. Chase Martin, (left) an intelligence analyst with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, United States Division – Center and an Idaho Falls, Idaho, native, hands a care package to a fellow soldier Dec. 24 at Camp Liberty, Iraq. Martin received more than 100 care packages from members of his family and hometown community in support of "Operation Iraqi Star," a volunteer-driven charity group which send gifts and care packages to deployed soldiers during the holidays.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.23.2010

Story by Spc. Jesus Aranda 

25th Infantry Division   

BAGHDAD — During the holiday season, when many Americans are surrounded by the comfort of their homes and the company of their loved ones, some are away, in service to their country.

Recognizing this, many military supporters, family members and volunteers donate hours of their time to ensure deployed service members know people still hold a special place at the dinner table in honor of their sacrifices.

For Sgt. Chase Martin, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, United States Division – Center and an Idaho Falls, Idaho, native, the support of such people has always been available to him during his military service.

"The community I live in is very supportive of the military," Martin said. "We have a National Guard unit nearby and many know what it is like to have a loved one deployed."

Many people in Martin's family are active members of a charity group known as Operation Iraqi Star, a volunteer-driven group which sends gifts and care packages to deployed soldiers during the holidays.

"My parents and wife took out an ad in the paper," Martin said. "We had many volunteers who packed the boxes, donated items or shipped the boxes to help out."

Martin said the experience of personally delivering the gratitude of his community was a fulfilling and familiar privilege.

"It feels great," Martin said, with a smile. "It was two years ago that I was passing out gifts from home while deployed, and here I am again."

Martin said during the 25th Infantry Division's prior deployment in 2008 to Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Martin handed out just as many care packages sent from his hometown in support of him and his fellow soldiers. Because of this, it was no surprise to his co-workers when dozens of care packages began to flood his mailbox.

"The mail clerk here recognized me from last deployment," Martin said, laughing. "A lot of mail comes for me."

Martin said it’s thanks to this mail that many deployed soldiers can enjoy a gift when he or she may not have received one.

"It feels good knowing that, as we draw down here, and live in an austere environment, that someone is thinking of us," Martin said. "Someone here will appreciate a gift sent from a stranger and their morale and spirits will be boosted."

In all, thanks to Operation Iraqi Star, more than 100 care packages and special gifts were distributed to the soldiers serving at Camp Liberty, Iraq, on Christmas Eve and just as many spirits were boosted.

• Date Taken: 12.23.2010
• Date Posted: 12.26.2010 06:44
• Story ID: 62610
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ