Photo By Sgt. David Scott | Members of the Fijian warriors marching unit dance for the spectators observing the...... read more read more
BAGHDAD - The military and civilian population at Forward Operating Base Union III recently used teamwork and resourcefulness to make the holiday season special at their home away from home.
The International Zone Support Element at FOB Union III hosted an afternoon holiday parade here Dec. 25. The event was the focal point of weekend celebrations that included a concert, a traditional holiday dinner and an international chorus.
Several United States Forces-Iraq and North Atlantic Treaty Organization Mission-Iraq units participated in a float-construction competition in which 17 units were represented in the parade that drew roughly 100 spectators.
Parade participants were free to use their floats to express their vision of the holiday spirit, said U.S. Army Sfc. Algrish C. Williams, who is assigned to the International Zone Support Element.
“The participants were encouraged to be as creative as possible,” said Williams, who is a Boston native.
Master Sgt. Jimmy Thomas, food service operations non-commissioned officer in charge at FOB Union III said his unit had to innovate in order to participate in the parade. The team borrowed a vehicle, which they decorated with leftover materials found in containers on the installation.
“Our entry did not just represent the dining facility,” said Thomas, a native of Willachoochie, Ga. “It represented the joint-service nature of United States Forces-Iraq and the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen who are here as a part of Union III.”
Following the parade, FOB residents gathered at the nearby Babylon Conference Center for refreshments while waiting for the parade judges’ announcement of winners.
Country music artist Michael Peterson of Nashville, Tenn., performed for the audience as the judges tallied the results.
Three awards were presented to the best float, best marching unit and best Christmas spirit
Best float honors for the parade went to the multi-national entry from NTM-I which carried several service members from the Netherlands dressed as Santa Claus.
The Fijian warriors won the best marching unit award and the Union III gospel group won the best Christmas spirit award.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Detrick L. Briscoe, the headquarters commandant of FOB Union III said the event exceeded his expectations.
“The spirit of the floats and marching units was unbelievable,” said Briscoe, a native of Louisville, Ky. “Because of the tremendous creativity of the community here, the judges had a hard time deciding on the winners.
“We’re a very small community here,” he said. “It is good to see the spirit and the love of the community on display. I think our job in the mayor’s cell is to support the morale of the community. We are very appreciative of how everyone enjoyed themselves.”
| Date Taken: | 01.25.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.31.2011 04:28 |
| Story ID: | 64503 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 270 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Parade underscores holiday festivities at Union III, by SGT David Scott, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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