By Sgt. Lynette Hoke
34th Combat Aviation Brigade
Busy bustling lines, long lay-overs and troubling traffic commutes are just a few things people face during the holidays. Finding extra time to gather with your family and friends during the holidays may be difficult to arrange.
It is no exception for Soldiers of Task Force 34 stationed at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.
However, with the help of the TF 34 chaplains, and many of their friends a Thanksgiving talent show was held for the Soldiers of TF 34. The show included prepared skits from different battalions, live music, free pizza and beverages for the Soldiers and participants of the event.
"It was fantastic; I heard some music from some very talented people," said 1st Sgt. Don Burrows, First Sergeant, 834th Aviation Support Battalion, B. Company and native of Nobles, OK. "I wouldn't have believed that some of the people I saw out here could do what they did. It just makes you want to stand up and sing and dance with them."
Especially with the holidays around the corner, the event helps the Soldiers deal with the many struggles of being away from family, friends and loved ones.
"A lot of times morale can go down and we help each other out, this is an opportunity to lift each other up, kind of help each other's morale," said Sgt. Robert Bandy, Movements Noncommissioned Officer in Charge and native of Baltimore, Md. "Just like crying is kind of contagious, laugher is contagious... if everyone is having a good time together, it will help bring up other Soldiers' spirits."
The two-hour event included a gospel choir, video clips and prepared skits, which sent the audience into an uproar of laughter. "Events like this help take some of the anxiety off of people when they aren't around their family and helps them be a little happier around the holidays," said Spc. Kristen Canfield, Class Nine, 834thAviation Support Brigade and a native of White Bear Lake, Minn.
This holiday season, the National Guard Soldiers of TF 34 will celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year in Iraq, instead of stateside with family and friends. However, with the support of their military family and battle buddies, there can be some joy and seasonal cheer.
