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"Fat Tuesday" comes to Bagram

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Richard Williams
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  The allure of Bourbon Street was on display during the Bagram Mardi Gras celebration sponsored by the 455th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron morale, welfare and recreation center Feb. 15, 2010.

The Dixieland swing of U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne band known as The Mighty Mighty Bragg Tones, rang in the "Fat Tuesday" celebration where patrons were treated to food, drinks and games.

"We received a lot of support from Louisiana for this event," said Jackie Johnson, 455th EFSS, MWR events coordinator. "We got extra food and care packages from there and it felt like everyone was sending us care packages to help make this event happen."

Ms. Johnson said that the care package coordination, dubbed Operation Mardi Gras by some Louisiana residents, was one of the major reasons the event took place. "We can't thank them enough for sending the care packages of the traditional beads, local cuisine and even party favors to make the event a success."

"I am having a really great time tonight," said Staff Sgt. Mary Brandon, 455th Expeditionary Medical Squadron/Task Force Medical. "This is my first Mardi Gras and it just happens to be here."

Sergeant Branson, deployed from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., said that morale events like these play a big part in bringing "a little slice of home," to so many service members who are deployed.

On the turn out, Ms. Johnson points out that there were not only U.S. servicemembers involved, but patrons from New Zealand, Egypt and across the installation came out to just have a good time and decompress.

"We try to put on events like these monthly, especially during the months when there is a holiday to celebrate," said Johnson. "Whether there is a holiday or not we try to come up with events that people can enjoy."

Ms. Johnson said that the MWR team is always looking for ideas and always happy to accept volunteers to help out, because they want to plan events that people will attend and enjoy.

"These events help to remind is of the freedoms that we have back home," said Sergeant Brandon. "It also reminds us of why we are here, and that is to help the Afghans gain the freedom to choose how they want to live."