7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0017.txt
Page: 0017
Total Pages: 49
Subject = 7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A                             

Parent Organization = ARCENT      

Unit = VII CORPS   

Folder Title = 7TH ENGR BDE-COMMANDER REPT-VOL 18A -FORWARD AND COMMANDERS PERSPECTIVE                         

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX000313







                 At long last Christmas Day arrived. It was a cold,
           overcast, and windy day. We planned our Christmas meal for 1530
           hours. Cooks were up all night cooking, and turning our meager
           dining area into a real holiday treat. Officers joined in
           helping to cook, set tables or pull KP. The Deputy Brigade
           Commander assumed First Cook duties. Soldiers were relieved on
           guard post by officers so they could eat and relax. The Corps
           Commander flew in, toured the area, and talked with soldiers. It
           was a great occasion for all concerned. The mass area could not
           have looked nicer. Amid all the dust in the middle of the
           desert, for a brief moment, soldiers forgot the pressure of war
           and thoroughly enjoyed a big meal of turkey, ham, beef, potatoes,
           green beans, fresh fruit, egg nog, coffee, tea, and milk. The
           small shaky tables were adorned with fruit, nuts, candies, and
           even a plastic tablecloth. All agreed, under the circumstances,
           it was an exceptional meal.

                 The day was not over. Our tiny Christmas tree was up and
           surrounded by presents. (We had drawn names before leaving
           Germany and everyone had a present. Extra presents were brought
           for the now folks who joined us in Saudi). Chief Perry dressed
           up in an honest-to-goodness Santa Claus suit. Soldiers again
           assembled in the mess tent. The Christmas story was told and I
           discussed the true meaning of Christmas. If we could not be with
           our loved ones the next best place was with our Army family.
           There were misty eyes and heavy hearts but together we supported
           each other. The singing of Christmas carols bolstered spirits.
           our Signal officer (a music and voice major in college) led and
           ensured everyone sang out. Soon it was time for Santa as Chief
           passed out presents. All single soldiers received something
           extra.

                 Following a Brigade tradition, the ladies of the Brigade had
           collected small personal items all year long. These were boxed
           up and sent to Saudi. On Christmas Eve, the Commander, Deputy,
           CSM, and XO carefully stuffed socks with all sorts of "goodies"
           that soldiers need. These "stockings" were also handed out by
           Santa. There was considerable excitement and joking about who
           got what. The highlight occurred after presents had been passed
           out, MAIL!!

                 Up to this point we had received no mail -- except for a
           very few boxes. On Christmas morning I received a large box of
           mail "for any servicemember". This came directly to the Brigade
           Commander from the Mail Call organization in Christmas, Florida.
           There were letters from all ages from all over the States.




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