CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- Master Chief Martin Negron, Religous Program Specialist, II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD), parades in front of troops and carolers on Christmas Eve while dressed as Santa . . . Far from family and friends this holiday season, Marines and sailors marked the season by spreading good cheer throughout Camp Fallujah on a not-so-white Christmas.

Photo by: Cpl. Heidi E. Loredo

FALLUJAH, Iraq -- Brigadier Gen. Charles Patton, deputy commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD), hands plates to his Marines.

Patton and other senior II MEF leaders convoyed Christmas dinner to Marines standing guard duty at forward outposts in Fallujah.

Photo by: Master Gunnery Sgt. Constance Dillard

Soldiers of Alpha Company, 490th Civil Affairs Battalion and Iraqi army Special Troops Company, 9th Mechanized Brigade conduct a clinical health outreach program in Subak Sur, Iraq.

Photo by Spc. Charles W. Gill and courtesy of U.S. Army

U.S. Army Sgt. Brian Thomas of the Civil Affairs Unit, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division speaks with a local sheik at the site of a recently constructed schoolhouse in Uhm Najim, Iraq,

Photo by Spc. Charles W. Gill and courtesy of U.S. Army