Soldiers treated to final Thanksgiving meal in Iraq

By Army National Guard Sgt. Scott Raper
Kentucky National Guard

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Johnson of the Kentucky National Guard's 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade pours gravy on the plate of a Soldier as Army Col. Scott Campbell, 149th MEB commander, observes at Victory Base Complex, Iraq, on Nov. 20, 2011. The meal celebrated Thanksgiving for the remaining troops on VBC and was also the last hot meal served before the dining facility closed. (Army National Guard photo Sgt. Scott Raper) (Released)
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VICTORY BASE COMPLEX, Iraq (11/23/11) – A final meal at the dining facility at Camp Liberty is a sign of the times – a sign that the number of U.S. troops in Iraq is shrinking and Victory Base Complex is not what it used to be. And also a sign of the holidays, as the meal celebrated Thanksgiving a bit early here Sunday.

Soldiers of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade continue to draw down VBC, but took time to come together and be thankful.

“It’s our opportunity to talk with the Soldiers, and to look everyone in the eye and thank them,” said Army Col. Scott Campbell, the 149th MEB’s commander. “We can reflect on our families and the holiday. And while we are apart, they are still in our hearts and minds.”

With all dining facilities closing, the effort was made to serve one last prepared meal to the remaining troops at VBC as the holiday approached. Although was held a few days prior to Thanksgiving Day, the food and festivities were still appreciated by the Soldiers. With amenities disappearing quicker than people from VBC, Soldiers were grateful for the opportunity to celebrate a holiday, even if away from home.

“This is just another sacrifice we make,” said Army Spc. Benjamin DiPalma. “But we did have a good meal and even decorations. It was a nice small reminder of home.”

Leaders of the 149th took shifts behind the service line dishing up turkey, ham, potatoes, gravy, and all the items needed for a good holiday meal. Long lines of Soldiers continued to form until everyone was served.

“It’s great that the command staff would do this,” said Army Capt. Adam Culbertson. “It shows they care and they are willing to do anything for us.”

In the Soldiers’ last day at the chow hall, conversations of the final days in Baghdad could be heard in a dull roar. Soldiers said they were thankful for spending time with their fellow troops, thankful for finishing the job in Iraq, and thankful for the fact that the job is almost over.

These troops will still be working on Thanksgiving Day and throughout the rest of the year to redeploy troops from the country by the end of the year. As facilities close and the mission winds down, Soldiers of the 149th will endure until the job is finished.

“It’s significant that this is the last day at the dining facility and the holiday makes it that much more special,” Campbell said. “This is their last hot meal. It’s [Meals-Ready-to-Eat] after this.”

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