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    Searching for the season

    Searching for the season

    Photo By Sgt. Glenn Kuehne | The Christmas tree, like these soldiers from the Rochester-, Minn., based Bravo...... read more read more

    CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation staff in Kuwait has put in a lot of effort to brighten up the holiday for soldiers from the Rochester-, Minn., based Bravo Company of the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment. They’ve had special appearances by musicians such as Chamillionaire, Lone Star and Daughtry.

    The MWR efforts have brought large crowds to the Oasis — the event stage — but the smells of diesel, septic systems and dust blowing in the air differ from the smells of cookies and snow blowing in the air that is a part of home.

    Staff Sgt. Bryan Haley, a native of North Branch, Minn., is a mechanic assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment, on his second deployment overseas, and this year will be his third Christmas missed due to deployments. He missed two on his last deployment to Iraq when the "Red Bulls" spent 22 months overseas.

    "Christmas is a lot different over here than it is at home. Work continues as normal," said Haley. "There is no family over here besides other soldiers." Haley has spent the last 200 days with other deployed soldiers.

    Sgt. David Detherow, a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear sergeant from Burnsville, Minn., is one of the few soldiers lucky enough to secure a two week block of leave over the holiday.

    "I plan to spend time with my wife and enjoy the much needed break from Kuwait living," said Detherow. He is excited to be going home for the holidays, "I’m looking forward to it."

    Other soldiers have tried to decorate their living areas to remind them of home and Christmas, with decorations ranging from Santa hats to miniature Christmas trees. The MWR staff has set up and decorated a large 20 foot tree in the common area of camp and had a lighting ceremony Dec. 4.

    Along with the motivation that comes from their mission and the camaraderie of their fellow soldiers, the home front has shown soldiers in Bravo Company how much love and support they have throughout the deployment.

    The company mail room has received more packages over the holidays, but soldiers in the unit have consistently received care packages from family, friends and total strangers. The packages from individuals, community groups, churches and businesses have been a constant "pick me up" that helps keep their morale high.

    Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment, have stayed positive as the holidays have started, but they — like their families — are looking forward to spending next Christmas at home.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 12.04.2011
    Date Posted: 12.30.2011 02:59
    Story ID: 81893
    Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW

    Web Views: 75
    Downloads: 0

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