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First Armored Division Soldiers' Chorus, goodwill tour of duty ~ bringing joy to the troops in Baghdad this Christmas. 
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Posted on 01/01/2004 6:43:53 AM PST by Ragtime Cowgirl
Soldiers’ show brings Christmas spirit to Baghdad
BAGHDAD, Iraq – The holiday season wouldn’t be the same without the sounds of caroling and the smiles on the faces of those celebrating the holiday season. The 1st Armored Division Band and Soldiers’ Chorus made sure that the soldiers of Task Force 1st Armored Division received their share of holiday tunes.
According to Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Morse, 1st Armored Division Band and Soldiers’ Chorus commander and conductor, soldiers from around the task force were invited to audition to join the show. The 14 soldiers selected were attached to the band as their assigned place of duty for the tour’s duration. They were detached and released back to their respective units Dec. 29th. These soldiers even had the opportunity to perform solo acts for the show. The soldiers prepared for about a month before beginning their tour.
“We spent the entire month of November preparing for this,” said Morse. Morse said the main purpose for the Soldiers’ Show is to help bring a little bit of holiday cheer to the soldiers here in Iraq.
“It’s a morale activity that we are bringing to the soldiers of the task force,” said Morse.
The show consists of songs ranging from traditional Christmas carols such as “Let it Snow” and “White Christmas” to more contemporary and pop titles such as “United Through it All” and “Freedom isn’t Free.”
During one of the shows, Santa Claus even made a special guest appearance along with his armed security escort. He worked the crowd, throwing telephone calling cards to soldiers in the audience after stopping to check if Brig. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Task Force 1st Armored Division commander, was on the “naughty” or “nice” list. The show blitzed through a tour of Baghdad performing for soldiers pulling duty throughout the city.
The show made stops at Baghdad International Airport, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, the Division Support Command and 2nd Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division forward operating bases.
The Soldiers’ Show performed more than 16 times during December to lift the spirits of deployed Soldiers.
“It’s the best job in the Army,” said Morse. “Being able to boost morale, to get a soldier to tap his toes to the rhythm; that’s what it’s all about.”
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First Armored Division Soldiers' Chorus, goodwill tour of duty ~ bringing joy to the troops in Baghdad this Christmas.
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Happy New Year!
Thank you for helping keep watch each night so the rest of us have ammo to fight the enemy press each day ~ and time for the sweeter things in life, as well.
Miss Lace would be proud! :,)
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