BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - With Christmas in full swing here in Afghanistan with the Wings of Destiny, the soldiers are physically here, but their hearts are at home with their Families and friends. With the holidays bring many traditions some of which find their way into life even when thousands of miles separate soldiers from their Families.
“Traditions, whether in Afghanistan or at home, whether physical or intangible, are real and they are important,” said Col. Paul Bontrager, commander, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. “They give us our humanity, they define us as individuals and Families, and they strengthen our ability to withstand adversity and difficult times.
The distance between soldiers and their families during the holidays has always been tough to endure, especially in times of repeated deployments. In this season, the traditions that the Wings of Destiny shares with its Soldiers and Families is the bridge between worlds and a way to communicate love and togetherness in spite of the distance.
“I would like to thank you for your continued support of this great and wonderful unit,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Harold Plattenberg, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade command sergeant major. “The support we have at home is an uplifting spirit that words cannot describe as we see it in the eyes of our soldiers.”