Trading Candy Apples for Combat Boots this Halloween

Photo By Master Sgt. Lynette Hoke | (left to right) Sgt. Gregory Opoien, Task Force 34 Headquarters network operations technician, Spc. Amber Anderson, TF 34 HQ aviations operations specialist, and Spc. Samantha Starbird, TF 34 HQ aviations operations specialist, were voted the top three for their costumes at the Headquarters and Headquarters Company 34th Combat Aviation Brigade's Halloween party at Joint Base Balad, Iraq on Oct. 31, 2008. The prize was awarded by Spc. Ryan Merrill, TF 34 administrator of Brooklyn Park, MN.  

IRAQ

10.31.2008

Story by Staff Sgt. Lynette Hoke 

34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade

By Lynette Hoke
34th Combat Aviation Brigade

Pirates, dead butlers and more! Oh my! For one night many scary and spooky things came out of the Task Force 34 Headquarters based in St. Paul, Minn.

All kinds of monsters came out ... the night of Halloween. The Soldiers of TF34 HHC threw a bash to celebrate holiday with their battle buddies and peers.

"It helps break up the monotony of everyday work here and it is really good for teambuilding," said Sgt. Jamie Mitre, TF34 HHC information operations non-commissioned officer. "People get to see each other out of the office and we get to know each other on a personal level."

"I think it reminds us more of home," said Cpl. Zachary Gardner, TF34 HHC signal support specialist and native of Waite Park, Minn. "We got to dress up and it gave us a little feeling from being back at home."

The Soldiers who attended the party were met with music, dancing, a costume contest, Halloween trivia and more.

"It brings us closer as a unit, it brings us closer as friends and we get to hang out outside of the workplace," said Cpl. Gardner, dressed as a Ghostbuster for the evening.

Even though the Soldiers were far, far away from the nearest superstore, many came dressed in festive, innovative costumes to celebrate the holiday.

"People got definitely got creative with their costumes," said Sgt. Mitre, who also wore an original costume ... an altered Army Combat Uniform which she titled 'Battle Barbie'.

"They integrated everything from PT belts, to first aid supplies and ordering things online ... people definitely expanded their creativity," she said.

The Soldiers were able to enjoy the company of one another, outside the normal day-to-day environment which they are accustomed to.

"It isn't work, it is not stress, it is camaraderie," said Command Sgt. Maj. Gery Thesing of Task Force 34 "Instead of just working together, we are able to have fun together."

"[The Halloween party] was definitely a morale booster, it is great to be here and it gives you a little taste of being home," said Cpl. Gardner.

As the night wrapped up, the many of the Soldiers who participated and even onlookers viewed the night as super spooky and successful.

"It does show that even though the Soldiers are far away from home, the holidays still are important for them," said Sgt. Mitre. "This is kind of another family for us, even though we are away from our kids, our spouses, we can still find things to entertain us and make it the holidays here."

• Date Taken: 10.31.2008
• Date Posted: 11.07.2008 08:06
• Story ID: 26039
• Location: IQ