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Bagram Airmen ring in the new year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Richard Williams
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  It wasn't quite Times Square but the cold of the night didn't deter the men and women of Bagram Airfield from saying goodbye to 2009 and welcoming in 2010.

Complete with a replica 2010 ball created by the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron and free hot chocolate and cider from the 455th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, Airmen were treated to a DJ, a year in review photo presentation and a ball drop at midnight to give everyone a little slice of home.

"I always say that the best compliment we can get is for someone to come up to us at one of these events and say, 'I forgot where I was for an hour, a minute or a day,' "said Travis Luethe, Recreation and Marketing Director, 455th EFSS. "All we can do is to try to bring them a little slice of reality of being home even if it is for just a few minutes."

Senior Airman Emily Williams, 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, deployed from the 6th SFS, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. says it is important for the morale of her fellow Airmen at a time when everyone is so far from home.

"I think the event is great. I may be a little tired tomorrow at work but it is worth it because it is fun," said Williams. "I think events like this are extremely important because you are away from friends and family that you miss. It is awesome to come out here and have the comradery."

With the success of events like these in support of all servicemembers, Luethe, a four year veteran of these events, says they would not be possible without the selfless support of all the agencies on the airfield. "I can't thank the 455th ECES guys enough for building the ball and the crane provided by the 1st Expeditionary Red Horse Group."

Luethe said, "We are in a very fluid environment here; things are always changing and we just want to put on an enjoyable event that gives everyone a little slice of home."