Deployed Service Members Enjoy Holiday Season
(December 30, 2010) |
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| | CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (MCN - 12/29/2010) —
Inevitably, many Marines and service members spend the
holiday seasons overseas away from friends and family.
Fortunately, they have an enormous support network, which
continues to produce new ways to enhance holiday cheer
during their deployment. |
This year, a stateside book provider sent
hundreds of recordable storybook editions of
‘The Night Before Christmas' to the Marines and
sailors of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward).
This book allowed Marines to audibly record
themselves reading this traditional Christmas
poem and send it home to their loved ones.
Upon arrival, the recipient was able to open the
book and hear each page read by their deployed
service member.
"I think the book was the only thing I sent home
this year, and they loved it," said Master Sgt.
Fred Dircksen, the officer in charge of
chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear
defense for 3rd MAW (Fwd). "I think the best
part, for them, was just hearing my voice. |
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (12/24/10) - Service members of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) sort out mail and care packages aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan during the holiday season. Many care packages were redistributed to Marines and sailors stationed in remote locations in Afghanistan. |
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The support system out here has come a long way [in the last
decade]. It really makes you realize how much everyone means
to you."
Furthermore, service members throughout Afghanistan randomly
received care packages through programs such as AnyMarine,
which contained treats, essentials, and letters of support
and cheer from American citizens.
"During the holidays, we were able to collect around 30
boxes containing food, hand warmers, socks and things of
that nature for Marines in more remote locations, who don't
have the luxury of receiving mail every few days like we do
here," said Sgt. Julianna Sharp, the training
noncommissioned officer in charge for Marine Wing Support
Squadron 3, 3rd MAW (Fwd).
Aside from receiving support from afar, local military
leadership played a role in ensuring their service members
were taken care of during the holidays. Commanding officers
and senior enlisted serving here and aboard forward
operating bases across Regional Command (Southwest) spent
their evenings at the dining facilities serving and dishing
out hot meals to the Marines and sailors.
Soon, many service members here will return home this spring
due to the changeover between the I and II Marine
Expeditionary Force. However, the efforts and support
received by troops overseas will continue to boost their
morale and spirits in their times of greatest need. |
Article and photo by USMC Sgt. Derek Carlson
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (FWD)
Copyright 2010 | |
Reprinted from
Marine Corps News
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