Rakkasans receive support for Christmas

Photo By Sgt. Brian Smith-Dutton | Capt. Alfsen, chaplain, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), leads soldiers in the playing of holiday music at the dining facility at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, Dec. 25, 2012. The group played holiday music on Christmas Eve and Christmas day to raise the morale of troops who are currently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during the holiday season. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brian Smith-Dutton, Task Force 3/101 Public Affairs)  

AFGHANISTAN

12.25.2012

Story by Spc. Brian Smith-Dutton 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Dec. 25, 2012) – During this holiday season, Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), will be spending the holidays deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The currently deployed Rakkasans are unable to spend the holidays with their families, but with the reality of deployment at hand they still have the support from both the American people and the military.

With many soldiers being all-too familiar with deployment life, some are new to the Army life itself. To be away from family and friends for the first time could prove to be painful and lonely, but being deployed does not mean the nonexistence of the holiday season here in Afghanistan.

Soldiers are receiving both the large amount of support from the American people in the form of care packages as well as great effort from the military to help cope with being away from loved ones during this highly celebrated season.

However, many soldiers will spend their Christmas day doing the same duties as any other day.

Pfc. Geoffrey Mckenzie, a chemical equipment repair specialist assigned to Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, was part of the force protection detail, which included a six-hour tower guard shift.

"This is one of the most important jobs for us while being deployed," said Mckenzie. "We are the first line of defense for FOB Salerno."

The first-time deployer continued on to say, “I knew what I was signing up for.”

A native of Jamaica, McKenzie is full of pride in his job and is thankful for having earned his place in the Rakkasans.

"I am extremely proud to be here,” said McKenzie. “Very proud to be serving in the United States Army and the Rakkasans. I wouldn’t have it any other way."

Though most of the world will be celebrating Christmas with their families and opening gifts this Christmas, there are still many soldiers deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Rakkasans have not lost sight of the mission.

Although they find themselves in a distant part of the world, the Army keeps morale a high priority.

Military support plays an important role in the morale and welfare of the deployed men and women.

“Morale is as important as bullets," said Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Crabtree, command sergeant major of the 3rd BCT. "During the holidays we talk to our soldiers about how much they've accomplished, not only in Afghanistan, but in their lives."

Army support comes in many different ways, such as camp KOKORO, a Morale, Welfare and Recreation facility for soldiers. The facility is designed to give a few days of rest and relaxation, as well as offer strong religious support to help with combat stress.

"We have five chaplains here,” said Capt. Willie J Newton Jr., battalion chaplain, 3rd STB. “Some of which will be travelling out to the combat outposts while some will stay here to conduct religious services and offers support to the soldiers."

Another tremendous asset the soldiers receive is the American people's’ tremendous amount of support.

"The American people have been very supportive and have provided a vast amount of resources in the form of care packages," said Newton. "Just yesterday we received more than 50 care packages."

Donations are sent here from multiple organizations and families who choose to support the troops. A percentage of the packages arrive to FOB Salerno and then are organized into categories for further distribution amongst the Salerno community through the use of the chaplain’s "free-x," a service provided by the chapel where they offer free items to soldiers.

During the holiday season, the mail distribution center at Salerno prepares for massive amounts of donations.

"Over the past week we have averaged around 9,000 pounds of mail per day," said Crabtree. "The BCT receives hundreds of care packages from great organizations from all over the country and we ensure they are distributed to the small bases."

With the support from both the military and the American people, soldiers this holiday season might have to spend it away from their family and friends, but they will not have to spend it alone. U.S. Soldiers have the support necessary to help keep morale high and keep them going, even through the holiday season.

• Date Taken: 12.25.2012
• Date Posted: 12.27.2012 10:31
• Story ID: 99757
• Location: AF