Christmas at the FST

Trauma Entrance

Just because we are away from our families this Christmas doesn’t mean we can’t experience the fun and camaraderie of the holiday season.  We just celebrate our own way, with our deployment “family.”  Tonight we had a party in the ICU, complete with goodies from family members, smoked salmon, crackers, sausages, candy, etc.

Beer Pong

The ICU (Party Room)

Having a daughter in college, I am very familiar with the game “beer pong.”  I have never played, however.  Tonight I experienced the game first hand.  If you aren’t sure what I’m referring to, Google it (that’s what I did when I began seeing certain Facebook pictures).  Being a drinking game, and operating under “General Order Number One” (no alcoholic beverages may be consumed anywhere in country) presents a dilemma.  Fortunately, the DFAC has non-alcoholic beer.  I don’t see the attraction, but it is a popular item with the troops.

Non-Alcoholic Beer

This message is for the families and soldiers who are separated this Christmas by war.  Holidays can be very happy times, and they can bring sadness, as well.  Don’t dwell on the hardships, but cherish the love you share with each other that distance can’t take away.  Contact each other and celebrate over the phone or with Skype.  Having done this before, I can tell you that deployment holidays can be some of the most memorable I’ve experienced.  The separation and sacrifice can make you realize the true meaning of love and relationships.  It will make the times you’ll share together in the future that much better.

From FOB Shank, Merry Christmas!

The views expressed in this blog are those of the author only, and not necessarily of the US Army or the US Government.  None of the information given is classified in nature.