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Troops spread holiday cheer in Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Army Capt. Thomas Cieslak
  • Task Force Protector Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors gathered at the Enduring Faith Chapel for a Christmas lighting celebration and to hear music played by the 82nd Airborne Division Brass Quartet and the 82nd Airborne Division Rock Band.

"I don't know about you, but listening to these guys warm up, something very mysterious happened to me," said Chaplain (U.S. Army Lt. Col.) Russell Dewell, the Master of Ceremonies, about the 82nd Airborne Division Brass Quartet during his opening remarks. "I actually started to relax."

"The entire Bagram Airfield religious support team and all the religious support teams on this airfield invited you together tonight to start off this holiday season like some of you might do back home," said Chaplain Dewell, continuing his opening remarks. "Though you can't be with your family tonight, on this weekend, what we want to say is 'Let's make this our family here on Bagram Airfield'."

Then the  chapel filled with singing from servicemembers as the 82nd Division Brass Quartet played traditional Christmas carols and servicemembers sang along to tunes such as "Jingle Bells," and "Frosty the Snowman." Lyrics to the songs were projected onto screens to help everyone dust off old favorites.

In between songs, servicemembers learned about the history of the Christmas tree and other common holiday traditions.

Later in the ceremony, the 82nd Airborne Division Rock Band took the stage and commanded everyone's attention with their energy and enthusiasm for the holiday season. The band led servicemembers through rock versions of Christmas songs like "All I Want for Christmas is You" and "Jingle Bell Rock."

Servicemembers supporting Operation Enduring Freedom welcomed the opportunity to leave their rooms and spend time gathered together. The Christmas lighting celebration is just the first of many events which will help those deployed celebrate the holiday season.

"Let me encourage you to make this holiday season special for each other," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen Lonnie Culver, commander of Task Force Cyclone. "Take care of each other, celebrate the season together as brothers and sisters in arms. This truly is a special time of year, and together, we can make it one you'll never forget."

The Christmas lighting celebration was hosted by members of the task force responsible for the operation of Bagram Airfield, Task Force Cyclone, part of the 38th Infantry Division from Indiana.

It was the first time a lighting celebration was conducted on Bagram and offered servicemembers the opportunity to get into the holiday spirit while deployed.