Posted on 12/16/2005 3:46:24 PM PST by SandRat
AL ASAD, Iraq -- “Twas the night before Christmas, all were asleep, curled up in their racks. I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, instead a plastic bottle Christmas tree.”
These words, from Andrea Schutz’s version of “Twas the night before Christmas,” bring the traditional holiday poem to the deserts of Al Asad, Iraq.
Schutz, the key volunteer advisor for Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28, and the families of deployed Marines have been able to participate in the Christmas celebration here by making and sending Christmas ornaments for a water bottle Christmas tree Marines from MTACS-28 built.
“I was thrilled with the concept of seeking family involvement in the Christmas tree project,” said Schutz, the wife of MTACS-28’s commanding officer and an Adelaide, Australia, native. “As with any handmade gift whether it be knitting a sweater or something as simple as baking cookies, the time, thought and energy spent on creating the gift helps focus our thoughts on our loved ones and reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.”
The key volunteers made approximately 150 ornaments for the tree. Schutz said having her husband away, particularly during the holiday season, leaves a void and heaviness in her heart. But, she said the tree helps her connect with her husband thousands of miles away.
“Being able to contribute to the now infamous water bottle Christmas tree has reinforced the commitment and respect I have for my husband's Marines,” said Schutz. “MTACS-28 is comprised of the finest men and women in the Marine Corps. I am so proud to know and support them and their families.”
The Christmas tree consists of 4,130 water bottles. It stands more than 15 feet high. The entire squadron was involved in the collection of the water bottles. The Marines saved bottles and set up collection boxes throughout Al Asad.
“Marines were pulling 12-hour shifts, and then coming to help us,” said Staff Sgt. William Lee, the utilities chief with MTACS-28 and a Dawson, Ill., native. “I even had the physical conditioning platoon go on a run and pick up water bottles. After we collected the bottles, we had to cut, clean and peal the labels off them. It may not seem like much, but imagine cutting 2,500 bottles in one day.”
The Marines learned the Commandant of the Marine Corps was coming to Al Asad, and they wanted to ensure the tree was finished and lit in time for him to see it. They said they had a problem getting the last strand to light. But, after troubleshooting by Lee, the problem was fixed and the lights hung just minutes before the commandant arrived.
“It was a great finish to a squadron project,” said Maj. Benjamin Palmer, MTACS-28’s executive officer and a Modesto, Calif., native. “The tree has been great for the Marines and has enabled the families to participate in the Christmas celebration with their deployed Marine. The majority of MTACS-28 is constantly working and opportunities to bring the squadron together have been limited.”
Lee said MTACS-28’s commanding officer saw this as an opportunity to get all the Marines and the families in the rear involved to share in the Christmas spirit. He said everyone knows they can’t be home for the holidays, but through the tree, they can celebrate Christmas together.
“Now that the tree is complete, not only the squadron, but everyone who passes by the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) headquarters can enjoy it,” said Palmer. “As the general says, this is the 2nd MAW family, and celebrating Christmas together is a part of what families do. This Christmas we may not be home with our loved ones, but we are definitely spending the holidays with family.”
While the loved ones back home are holding down the fort, the Marines here can fully focus on the mission.
“My husband being away from family is a way of life for us,” said Leafa Palmer, a key volunteer with MTACS-28 and a Lakewood, N.J., native. “Life during separation always has its ups and downs, no matter what the season. We always try to keep a tangible connection between here and there through pictures, artwork, cards and packages. The tree and the ornaments were just another fabulous way of making that connection a reality.”
She said she eagerly made a box of ornaments with her children to send for the Marines to hang on their Christmas tree. Although there is distance between them this Christmas, they still are able to share in the holiday spirit that flows freely from Havelock, N.C., all the way to Iraq this season through a plastic bottle Christmas tree.
More images at source
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God Bless All of ours that are in country, Joe and Terri send them ALL a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Swing on by the Canteen as that is a daily occurance over there.
And they will get a lot less complaints about a Christmas tree on Muslim soil that if it was in America.
Thanks for posting the article. That's my kid.
Our son called from al-Asad this afternoon. He has access to a USMC satphone and can make personal calls to the states weekly. Great deal except that he doesn't write us hard mail anymore because of the technology. We, however, send him boxes of food, CDs/DVDs, magazines, sport pages, etc. regularly.
He and his buddies are very excited about the elections. Returning to North Carolina in February, but wants to re-enlist in the Marines in order to go back to Iraq in the future. USMC will teach him Arabic, "written from right to left, dad."
Please thank Your Son for Me for His Service.
BTTT
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