Joy To The Troops -- David Ignatius, Washington Post
It’s a few days before Christmas, and Staff Sgt. Andre Vappie is showing pictures of himself dressed in a red suit for the “Santa Claus 5K Run” that took place a few weeks ago at the U.S. military base here. As he scrolls through the photos, you can see at least 50 other guys in Santa suits celebrating the holiday season in this muscular way, far from home.
The big U.S. garrison here is not exactly the North Pole. It’s dry and dusty, and it has been getting rocket fire recently from Taliban fighters outside the wire. But nothing can stop the holiday spirit, even in a place where General Order No. 1 bans the consumption of alcohol and loved ones are thousands of miles away.
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My Comment: Being deployed away from home gives one a surreal sense that something is not right .... fortunately for many of these soldiers .... they have each other to keep them company. But it is only good to a point. In my case .... when I was working for the UN .... I found myself working on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for 4 straight years. Did I enjoy it .... no. Would I want to do it again .... not in a million years. But on the plus side .... when I think of those times .... I must confess that I probably appreciate Christmas more (today) than what I would have if I had not worked during that time.
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