10 best things about Christmas in Iraq

By Cali Bagby for KVAL.com Published: Dec 23, 2009 at 4:00 AM PST Last Updated: Dec 28, 2009 at 1:21 PM PST
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AL ASAD and BALAD, Iraq – There are no Christmas carols resonating through the halls, and mistletoe would be inappropriate.

Outside, there are no busy shoppers in winter coats on city streets, bright with blinking lights.

There are no mighty pine or fir trees, and the crisp smell of an Oregon December air is missing. 

But soldiers in C/7-158 Medevac stationed in Al Asad and Balad hang tinsel in their offices, watch Christmas movies on their laptop computers and make the best of the holiday season.

Here are some of the highlights –  and lowlights –  this month.

The Best The Worst
1. Coming Home 1. Missing Home
2. The Mission 2. The Risks
3. Personal Development 3. Mortars
4. The Fire Pit 4. Crime
5. The Rope Swing 5. Food and Flies
6. Communication 6. Saying Goodbye
7. Decorations 7. Communication
8. Pancakes and Waffles 8. The Long Journey
9. Support from Afar 9. The Great Unknown
10. A Safe Return 10. That About Sums It Up

 

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.
More stories | Visit her Web site