Troops Mark Holiday in Iraq

Across Iraq, U.S. troops are marking the day with special meals, chapel services and thoughts of home.

By: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | WSAV-TV
Published: December 26, 2008

BAGHDAD (AP) - A U.S. Army sergeant on duty in Baghdad calls today "just another day in Iraq."
He says he's trying not to think about what he's missing with his family on Christmas.
Across Iraq, U.S. troops are marking the day with special meals, chapel services and thoughts of home.
Sgt. Major David Dantzler says he's trying to help his soldiers stave off the holiday blues. But he admits he's also thinking of moments missed with his wife and two children.
There's also a feeling of hope in Iraq, however, thanks to the more than 80 percent drop in violence. Dantzler lost 19 men during his last deployment. This time, he says, there have been no casualties.
With less than two months to go before his soldiers return to Colorado, Dantzler and others say they're trying to keep focused on a gift they'll be getting soon: time home with family.
Overall troop levels are expected to start declining after Iraqi elections next month. For now, there's the same number of troops in Iraq today - about 146,000 - as in May 2003.

Troops Mark Holiday in Iraq

Share This:

More from this channel:

Reader Comments

Deal of the Day

Most Popular

Links We Like