Paratroopers Receive a Taste of Home on Thanksgiving Day

Photo By Master Sgt. Patrick Malone | Pfc. Martin Jasso, a 19 year-old cook from Corpus Christi, Texas, sits down to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal brought to paratroopers currently serving at Al Anbar province, Iraq's Combined Outpost Chicago Nov. 26. "I got some good food today. It's going to give me the energy to keep working hard," said Jasso.  

IRAQ

11.30.1999

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Malone 

1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

IRAQI ARMY OUTPOST CHICAGO, Iraq — Thousands of miles from the comforts of their loved ones, parades, all-night shopping and American football, a group of soldiers from the Army's first fully-functional advise and assist brigade enjoyed all the fixings of a traditional Thanksgiving meal, Nov. 26.

Paratroopers from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division (Advise and Assist Brigade) celebrated the American holiday while at Combined Outpost Chicago by dining on turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, an assortment of pies and other traditional food.

The meal was a great morale booster and made the soldiers feel special, even though they couldn't celebrate the holiday with their loved ones, said 1st Sgt. David Jordan, first sergeant for Company B, who is on his fourth deployment during the Thanksgiving season.

"We have the best battalion commander and sergeant major in the world," said Jordan, expressing his gratitude while referring to Lt. Col. Trevor Bredenkamp and Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Sturdevant. "They really do care for my soldiers. It's great to enjoy this meal after eating [meals ready to eat] for awhile."

Pfc. Martin Jasso, a 19 year-old cook from Corpus Christi, Texas, felt uplifted by the meal, he said.

"I got some good food today. It's going to give me the energy to keep working hard," said Jasso.

Dealing with separation can be tough during the holidays. In addition to Thanksgiving, Sgt. Michael Moser, a fire support non-commissioned officer from Huron, S.D., is just two days away from celebrating his 25th birthday.

"It's rough being away from my family, but this turkey is great, and my teammates are taking care of me out here," said Moser.

The company of Paratroopers is training with their 1st Iraqi Army Division counterparts at COP Chicago in preparation for the upcoming national elections scheduled for early 2010.

• Date Taken: 11.30.1999
• Date Posted: 12.02.2009 02:40
• Story ID: 42237
• Location: IQ