Marines Celebrate Christmas in Kabul
Submitted by: Headquarters Marine Corps
Story Identification Number: 200415115915
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KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 25, 2003) -- Marines from various Training and Education Command billets throughout the United States spent Christmas with their Afghanistan National Army counterparts in downtown Kabul Dec. 25, 2003.

The 13 Marines are assigned to the ANA Training Detachment and have been in country about two months. They are assigned as embedded trainers to the 1st Battalion, 3rd ANA Brigade -- the Quick Reaction Force Commando Battalion. The battalion is presently deployed to downtown Kabul, conducting security operations in support of the Afghan constitutional convention, the Loya Jirga.

The Marines’ mission is to teach, train, mentor and advise the Afghanis on light infantry tactics and how to form and function as a conventional, professional military force. They also serve as role models to show the ANA officers and staff noncommissioned officers how to properly carry out their responsibilities, and how to lead and manage a light infantry battalion.

The Marines invited the commando company commanders and their staffs to join them for a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings brought from Camp Blackhorse. After dinner, the Marines shared Christmas memories with the ANA soldiers and each other.

“This Christmas was very blessed in that we were able to share our traditions of Christmas with our ANA counterparts,” said Gunnery Sgt. Terry Love, the detachment staff noncommissioned officer in charge. Love also received an unexpected Christmas gift when he learned via satellite phone of the birth of his granddaughter.

Although the Marines missed spending the holidays with their loved ones back home, all agreed this was a worthy alternative.

“If you can’t spend Christmas with your family, the next best thing is with a handful of Marines on a hilltop in Kabul,” said Capt. Eric Hansen, 3rd company team chief.

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Marines from various Training and Education Command billets throughout the United States spent Christmas with their Afghanistan National Army counterparts in downtown Kabul Dec. 25, 2003. Photo by:

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...8?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger