'I’m thankful for my good friends here that have become like family'
CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq -- This is Steven Moser's second deployment, the second time he will miss eating Thanksgiving with family and a day of duck hunting.
“I’ll probably go to chow, catch the Oakland game,” says Spc. Moser, 25, of Roseburg, Ore., of Oregon’s 41st Infantry.
For many soldiers this is their second, third or even sixth deployment in a foreign land during the holidays.
“I’m pretty much used to it,” says Sgt. Andrew McGillivay, 28, of Newberg, Ore. (at left), who is on his third deployment.
Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful in such a desolate place. Temperatures are dropping to a chilly 50 degrees and the sand walkways are turning to muddy ponds, but soldiers in C/7 158 Medevac and Charlie Company, 1-186, of Oregon’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) stationed at Camp Korean Village still celebrate Turkey Day as much as possible.
Here is what they are thankful for…
Friends and Family
“I’m very thankful my family and friends are safe and happy and anxious for my return,” says Chief warrant Officer 3 Dennis Cooper of C/7 158 Medevac on his sixth deployment, and his fifth deployment away from home on Thanksgiving.
“I miss my family,” says Pvt. Brandon Gorham, 20, of Medford, Ore. (at right), on his first deployment. “But I’ve built some pretty good friendships here.”
“I’m thankful for the wonderful people back home that are sending me their love,” says Chief Warrant Officer 2 Natalie Miller, 29, of Portland, Ore., of C/7 158 Medevac. “I’m thankful for my good friends here that have become like family.”
Survival
“Just that nobody’s been hurt, it’s quiet,” says McGillivay. “We haven’t heard mortars or IEDs.” For veteran soldiers like McGillivay boring days are a relief. C/7 158 Medevac also gives thanks today because no one in their unit has been injured and that their return home occurs in the following months.
The Internet
Although the Internet is unreliable and expensive, ranging from $60 to $200 a month, it remains as a vital link between soldiers and people back home. “I’m thankful for the Internet. I can talk to my family every night,” says Moser.
Food
Streamers hang from the ceiling; displays of cornucopias and the Mayflower welcomes soldiers as they stand in line for turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, fresh rolls and pumpkin pie. One unit on base dons pilgrim hats sent by one soldier’s mother. “I am thankful the Army does its best to celebrate the holidays we spend here,” says Miller enjoying a piece of pumpkin pie.
Comfort
Soldiers in CKV have access to a small PX (Military store), but it’s still provides necessary items for most.
“I’m thankful for Red Bull energy drinks and chew, my two needs,” says Corp. Nicholas Billups, 20, of Tillamook, Ore. (at right), of the 41st IBCT. For soldiers inside the wire, they are lucky to have television; it’s the small things that remind them of their lives back home. McGillivay hopes to catch the Cowboys on TV tonight.
“It’s America’s team,” says McGillivay. “The Cowboys always win on Thanksgiving.”
Soldiers take the holiday in stride, shopping for Black Friday sales online or quietly digging into pumpkin pie as if it was their mother’s own, but without friends and family to celebrate, today is just like any other day in the desert, just another tick on the calendar.
“I would be squeezing my kids,” says Spc. Loyda Peralta, 28, of Orlando, Florida, of the 41st IBCT. “I miss them so much.”
Cali Bagby embedded with the Oregon Army National Guard from the 41st Infantry for KVAL.com. Her work has been published in the Washington Post and the Eugene Weekly.
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