KABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan –Naadam is one of the two largest festivals of the Mongolian year. It is celebrated nationwide on July 11 – 13. This year the Mongolian coalition celebrated Naadam at Camp Eggers, Afghanistan, with music, pass and review, a hand-to-hand combat demonstration, wrestling competition, native foods and awards.
The Mongolian coalition celebrated Naadam at Camp Eggers, Afghanistan, with music, a pass and review, a hand-to-hand combat demonstration, wrestling competition, native foods and awards. Naadam (pronounced naa-dm) is one of Mongolia’s largest festivals celebrated nationwide July 11 – 13.
Naadam is properly known as “Eriin gurvan naadam” meaning the three games of men. The three games are wrestling, horse racing and archery. These games are the basic skills of Mongolian soldiers tracing back to Central Asian nomadic tribes such as Huns, Scythians and Turks.
Col. Sylvester Cannon, Commander of the Kabul Base Cluster and Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Griffin attended with Camp Eggers Garrison Executive Officer Lt. Col. Kim Russell and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Grace all from the 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Alabama National Guard.
The invitation to participate in the celebration was extended by Lt. Col. B. Tumurpurev, Commanding Officer, Mongolian Expeditionary Task Force (METF)-VIII, and Command Sgt. Maj. N. Bat-erdene, Senior Enlisted, METF-VIII.
“The Mongolian army has a long history; this celebration is as much about freedom as it is the capability of a strong and proud nation. I appreciate the invitation Lt. Col. Tumurpurev extended to the Soldiers of the 226th MEB” said Cannon.
Tumurpurev acknowledged two soldiers of the 226th MEB for their assistance, Sgt. 1st Class Karl Kunkle NCOIC Department of Logistics and Staff Sgt. Joshua Stephens generator mechanic and supply sergeant, received certificates of appreciation for their work.
“We have many outstanding soldiers in the 226th MEB, Kunkle and Stephens are key examples of the values and standards we maintain” said Griffin.
The Mongolian ceremony is a colorful, dynamic event. It marks the 2222nd anniversary of the first establishment of Mongolia, 807th anniversary of the establishment of the Mongolian Empire and the 92nd anniversary of the People’s Revolution.
Soldiers presenting and protecting the Mongolian flag wore the red, blue and yellow full dress uniform complete with the signature leather brown and tan boot curling upwards at the narrow toe.
Displaying their precision and weapon handling skills, Mongolian soldiers conducted the pass and review to the beat of a drum performing movements in succession and unison with both accuracy and skill.
Lunch was served after a breathtaking display of hand-to-hand combat. Guests were ushered into a yurt to partake of utz a steamed mutton back and airag which is a fermented mare’s milk.
“I enjoyed the warm drink and the meat, but the fat is an acquired taste” said Griffin.