Georgians celebrate Easter with Chinook help

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

04.27.2008

Story by Spc. Monica K. Guthrie 

3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division

By Pfc. Monica K. Smith
3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Georgians at Combat Outpost Cleary enjoyed an Easter celebration, April 27, thanks to 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade Chinook helicopters.

To help celebrate their holiday, which falls on a different date than the American Easter, cargo with traditional Georgian Easter items was sent to soldiers at COP Cleary, said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Tom Golden, with the liaison officer cell for the 1st Georgian Brigade.

The Thursday evening prior to Easter, Sgt. James Bates, a non-commissioned officer with the 1st GB tactical operation center at Forward Operation Base Delta, realized the air mission request to move the Georgian's Easter cargo was not resourced. He also learned two Chinooks from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, were due to land at Forward Operating Base Delta bound for COP Cleary.

The cargo was rushed to the flight ramp in hopes of making it onto one of the flights headed to the outpost.

When the Chinooks arrived Golden sought out the pilots in command, CW4 Manny Portela, Co. B, 2-3rd Avn. Regt., and Lt. Col. Alex Covert, commander of 2-3 Avn. Regt.

"It wasn't a big deal to us," Covert said. "It wasn't scheduled but we do that all the time ... They had a pallet or two and we took it where it needed to go. They were very happy and very appreciative."

After inspecting the cargo, a plan was agreed upon to transport the cargo to COP Cleary.

"The crew was very flexible and understanding when we explained the importance of their holiday and significance of their cargo," said Lt. Col. Anthony Sutter, LNO commander for the Georgians.
The cargo arrived that evening at COP Cleary with much gratitude to the Chinook team from the Georgian soldiers.

• Date Taken: 04.27.2008
• Date Posted: 04.29.2008 09:03
• Story ID: 18868
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ