Iraqi Thanksgiving

Greetings All,

Tonight we completed a successful Thanksgiving celebration with our Iraqi Counterparts. A tradition on our little FOB (Forward Operating Base) is to bring in a ton of food and then invite the Iraqi officers to share in a Thanksgiving celebration. Many of the Iraqi's already started their "leave" cycle(they work either 21 days and then go home 7 days or 10 days on 10 off). They take leave so they can drive home and give their paycheck to their wives (just like in the states except there are no checkbooks and credit cards).
Anyway, since there weren't the normal number of officers around we talked the General into letting the senior Iraqi NCO's to eat with us too.Of course, my guys picking up the food got delayed so we started dinner a little late but no one seemed to mind. We had the Iraqi conference room set up with tables, chairs, etc. so all we had to do was bring inthe food. There were a few short comments, a historical narrative, and a prayer. Then our officers served everyone as is the American Army Tradition.
The Iraqi's were a little worried that the well done prime rib was ham but once their fears were appeased they all ate with a vengeance. We had Iraqi rice, well done (sad) prime rib, roast turkey,turkey parts, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes,salad, Iraqi custard, corn on the cobb, chitlans, and cranberry jelly.There was also carrot cake and pumpkin pie. The Iraqi ate some of just about everything and raided the deserts heavily. They also guzzled down the sparkling red grape juice.
After the officers finished, most left the area so the jundi (soldiers)could come in. The Arab custom aligns with stratus eating. The muckitymucks eat first, then the next level officials/guests, and on down to the lowliest individual. Little goes to waste. After dinner my guys and some of the NCOs took advantage of the general's pool table and ping pong table. Not something the junior guys get to play on since it's reserved for the chosen few. It was a nice event.
Couple things missing to make it a real Thanksgiving include helping my girls make plates, listening to all the old family stories, and drinking wine and talking politics with my liberal family members (since all the right wingers are to stiff in their views).Oh, and since I haven't sent this out yet. I'm in my Iraq home. My job is a little different then I thought. I'll be spending more time working team issues as the XO instead of working primarily with the Iraqis. I'll still be a part of the advisor effort but more of my time will be spent ensuring the US guys get the support they need, synchronize operations,and beat up individuals who aren't producing. Still better then beingstuck at the Division HQ though.

God Bless to All.
Robert