Detainees treated to traditional Eid Al-Fitr feast

Photo By Christina Bhatti | A traditional feast was prepared for the detainees in celebration of Eid al-Fitr at the Detainee Holding Area Annex on Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, Oct. 1, 2008.  

TAJI, IRAQ

10.01.2008

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Christina Bhatti 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Sgt. 1st Class Christina Bhatti
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Clad in their bright orange scrubs, the men filed into a makeshift dining facility and sat down on bright blue mats. In front of them was a traditional Eid al-Fitr feast.

The first days of October mark the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, a holiday for signaling the end Ramadan, Islam's holiest month.

Traditionally celebrated with prayer and a feast, Eid al Fitr is a joyous celebration of abundance.

Soldiers from the 225th Brigade Support Battalion "Mongoose," 2nd Stryker Brigade combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-national Division – Baghdad, ensured the detainees at the Detainee Holding Area Annex at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, were able to celebrate Eid with a traditional meal, Oct. 1, 2008.

"This is about respecting their beliefs and treating them with dignity and respect," said Chief Warrant Officer Steven Matzen, a native of Custer, Mich., and officer in charge of the DHAA, 225th BSB.

The traditional fare was prepared by a local contractor who owns restaurants throughout Iraq and prepares daily meals for the facility.

"All I told him was to cook the same food he prepares for his Eid celebration at home," said Capt. Alberto Pantoja, a native of Miami, and commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 225th BSB.

The restaurant owner and contractor came through. There was enough food to feed far more people than those who were going to partake.

Approximately 25 detainees sat down to enjoy the spread of lamb kabobs, rice, salad and fruit.

"We really want to show them that we care," Pantoja said. "We want them to take away that American Soldiers respect them and their religion and will treat them in the best way possible."

Digging into the trays of food, the men seemed to enjoy the feast in front of them. Bellies full and plenty of food still on the trays, they filed back into their cells to continue on with their day.

"We work really hard here," he said. "We do everything we can to ensure these men are taken care of in the best way possible."

• Date Taken: 10.01.2008
• Date Posted: 10.01.2008 14:37
• Story ID: 24377
• Location: TAJI, IQ