Story by: Spc. Erin Robicheaux
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq -- Every Tiger down in Tigerland liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch (in the form of insurgents) who lived not far from Tigerland, did not. Dr. Seuss" funny tale of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is a favorite of people young and old and has worked its way into the American ideals of Christmas tradition.
It may have been a typical assumption, to think that Christmas would not feel the same to the Soldiers stationed in and around Baghdad, but as the 256th Brigade Combat Team proved on Christmas, almost anywhere can feel like home with the help and dedication of leadership and fellow Soldiers.
With today's technology, Soldiers do not have to rely on letters or waiting in long lines to use the phones to be able to give their holiday greetings to their loved ones at home.
Cpl. Gregory Doucet from Opelousas, La., of Company A, 1088th Engineer Battalion and the women in his life not only got to speak to each other for Christmas, but through the power of the Internet they also got to see each other. As his mother and wife were each getting ready for a Christmas party, Doucet was able to chat with them and see their new Christmas outfits through a webcam.
"I chat online with my wife every night and with the holidays and everything it's really been great to have access to something like this."
Doucet said that being away for the holidays has been rough, but his wife just received a great present from Santa, and as long as she's happy that's all that he cares about.
"About a week ago, she got a brand new Honda Accord, so she's floating on cloud nine right now," he said mischievously, "I wish that I could be there to see her in it, but I can picture how excited she must have been when she drove it off of the lot."
The saying 'some things never change" sticks like glue to some Soldiers of the 256 BCT, who are true holiday shoppers when the season of giving comes around. At the Post Exchange (PX) in the late afternoon of Christmas Eve, some troops bought those last-minute gifts, just as they would have if they were back home.
Spc. Ryan LeBlanc of HHC 256th Infantry Brigade was seen searching the cluttered store for that perfect gift to send back to Lafayette, La.
"I know that this is last minute, but I promise I have a good reason this time," he said with a grin.
LeBlanc and his fellow Soldiers in the Military Police (MP) Platoon had been awake for more than 36 hours, due to the heightened security on Camp Al Tahreer in Baghdad.
"The threat level has gone up significantly since the events in Mosul," said Staff Sgt. Chad Rodriguez, LeBlanc's platoon sergeant. "We've been pulling extra security to ensure that our Soldiers are well protected during the Christmas holidays."
LeBlanc says that his Christmas day will be spent watching the visions of sugarplums dance on the back of his eyelids.
"I plan to sleep, sleep, and sleep," he said.
Sgt. John Chalker from Long Island, N.Y. of HHC 1st Battalion 69th Infantry Regiment is anxiously awaiting the voices that will come across the world on Christmas.
"I can't wait to call home," he said. "It's not the same, but it'll bring me closer to them, if only for a little while."
His fiancé is in New York looking forward to the call from her man.
At the Onwardi-Shondee Troop Medical Clinic (TMC), the hard working medics of Company C, 199th Forward Support Battalion (FSB) received a Christmas surprise from their very own Santa. First Sgt. Jerry Harvey of Alexandria, La. barbecued steaks for his company and made a special trip to the clinic for those who were on shift.
"They (the medics) are dedicated to what they do and this is just my way of showing them a little appreciation," he said.
Complete with a Santa cap and a John Deere Gator for a sleigh, Harvey pulled up and gave out the Christmas dinner to all the good little Soldiers. He even added some favorite spices of the Louisiana troops.
"You have to have the Tony's Chachere's," he exclaimed.
The reason for the season, the birth of baby Jesus, was celebrated in a brand new chapel. Lt. Col. Chaplain Robert Baker, chaplain for the 256th BCT said that this was a most special gift for the Soldiers of the brigade.
The new chapel, which holds at least 300 people, will hold its official dedication in January, but the inaugural service was a Christmas Eve candlelight vigil the night before the birth of the Lord.
"We had a choir and excellent participation from the congregation, and everyone seemed to love coming to the new chapel," he said.
The chapel was a gift from Company B, 411th Engineer Battalion from Hawaii.
The perfect highlight to any major event is a feast sent from heaven. And on this holiest of days, the staff and volunteer Soldiers at the Tiger Den Dining Facility, once again outdid themselves.
Draped with red and white satin fabric the elegant spread that graced the tables inside the facility were symbolic of royalty for the Tiger Brigade Soldiers.
Festive dining ware and utensils brought an element of boldness to the normally white dining area. Splashes of red, green, and gold decorations were displayed throughout, as well as the unbelievable desserts and baked creations that the Tiger Den staff is so famous for.
The main attraction was good old Santa Claus. He paid a visit to the Tiger Soldiers along with his wife, Ms. Claus, and his Chief of Staff of the reindeer, Rudolph. Claus stayed for quite some time and posed for pictures with as many troops as he could.
Maj. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, 1st Cavalry Division commander showed up to help serve the meal to the 256th troops. Alongside, 1st Cav. Div. Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola they gave all Soldiers who passed through their line a welcome surprise.
Chiarelli was impressed with the atmosphere and awarded the eight Soldiers who made it possible with his commemorative coin. The Soldiers volunteered to decorate the dining facility and to paint a mural for the photographs with Santa and Ms. Claus.
The leadership and enlisted of the Tiger Brigade may not have the luxury of sprawling out on mom's sofa after stuffing themselves on everything imaginable, but thanks to many of Brig. Gen. John Basilica's, 256th BCT commander, elves, Christmas at Tigerland was as festive and heartwarming as possible.
The Grinch himself could have come through the door, with a bang and boom, and thrown mud on the floor. If the insurgents themselves could have seen such a sight as the Tiger Brigade doing Christmas up right, they would have been stunned and been speechless and not known what to say; their way too small hearts would have grown three sizes that day! As the Grinch of Who-ville would likely tell them on sight, Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!