thedrifter
01-02-08, 09:07 AM
ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq -- Marines have been known to adapt, overcome and improvise in even the most austere conditions. In celebration of Christmas this year, when they didn’t have heat, electricity or even running water in their small outposts, they had plenty Christmas spirit.
Members of 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, and 3rd Bn., 23rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, were visited by Navy Capt. Michael Langston, Multi National Force-West chaplain, and Brig. Gen. Charles Gurganus, MNF-W Ground Combat Element commanding general. With them, they brought the opportunity for the Marines and sailors to celebrate Christmas with a church service at various combat outposts.
“We never really have the opportunity to attend church,” said Cpl. Brian Cripps, TOW gunner, 3rd Bn., 23rd Marines. “It was great to have the chaplain out here to do the service.”
Langston set up makeshift worship sites for the Marines at different combat outposts and expeditionary patrol bases and gave them the opportunity to celebrate the holiday together with worship. He said that it was great for him also, because he seldom has the opportunity to conduct services due to his current job assignment.
The service members also enjoyed a holiday feast delivered by AABn., Company C commanding officer, Capt. Victor Ruble, who spent the day travelling to each of his Marines’ locations. The feast he delivered included steak, lobster, crab legs, shrimp and even a holiday cake, a far cry from their normal Meals, Ready to Eat. The celebration continued with a visit from an elf who delivered stockings and gifts to each Marine.
“I have some great guys here,” said 1st Lt. Timothy Riemann, platoon commander, Co. C. “In a place in the middle of nowhere, they can still find an elf costume and throw together stockings for each member.”
Though it was just one day of the year, the Marines and Sailors took time to enjoy the company of each other and remember what Christmas is really about.
Members of 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, and 3rd Bn., 23rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, were visited by Navy Capt. Michael Langston, Multi National Force-West chaplain, and Brig. Gen. Charles Gurganus, MNF-W Ground Combat Element commanding general. With them, they brought the opportunity for the Marines and sailors to celebrate Christmas with a church service at various combat outposts.
“We never really have the opportunity to attend church,” said Cpl. Brian Cripps, TOW gunner, 3rd Bn., 23rd Marines. “It was great to have the chaplain out here to do the service.”
Langston set up makeshift worship sites for the Marines at different combat outposts and expeditionary patrol bases and gave them the opportunity to celebrate the holiday together with worship. He said that it was great for him also, because he seldom has the opportunity to conduct services due to his current job assignment.
The service members also enjoyed a holiday feast delivered by AABn., Company C commanding officer, Capt. Victor Ruble, who spent the day travelling to each of his Marines’ locations. The feast he delivered included steak, lobster, crab legs, shrimp and even a holiday cake, a far cry from their normal Meals, Ready to Eat. The celebration continued with a visit from an elf who delivered stockings and gifts to each Marine.
“I have some great guys here,” said 1st Lt. Timothy Riemann, platoon commander, Co. C. “In a place in the middle of nowhere, they can still find an elf costume and throw together stockings for each member.”
Though it was just one day of the year, the Marines and Sailors took time to enjoy the company of each other and remember what Christmas is really about.