Commentary; Christmas at Joint Task Force Guantanamo

ARNEWS ^ | Dec 30, 2005 | Lt. Col. Jeremy M. Martin

[SandRat]

Army Command Sgt.Maj. Angel Febles, Army Chaplain Lt. Col. Stephen Molnar and Spc. John Sisk cut a Christmas cake that was made for Troopers at the Seaside Galley, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Sgt. Todd Lamonica

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Commentary; Christmas at Joint Task Force Guantanamo

By Lt. Col. Jeremy M. Martin

December 30, 2005

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (Army News Service, Dec. 30, 2005) – During the holidays, American families gather to share in the celebrations of the Christmas season and also reflect on the events of the past year. Military families are truly unique; they share a very special bond, a genuine understanding of the selfless service and sacrifice which often requires separation during the holidays.

During this Christmas season over 300,000 military men and women are deployed in over 100 countries, defending freedom on behalf of the American people. In Iraq and Afghanistan, military personnel have helped to liberate millions of people, and given the citizens of those nations an opportunity for freedom and democracy.

There are over 2000 men and women deployed as members of the Joint Task Force at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on behalf of the American people in support of the Global War on Terror. Many of the Troopers are on year-long deployments, and will be away from their loved ones during the holidays. Quite a few of the Troopers have had children born back in the states during this deployment that they’ll certainly miss during the holidays.

Many of the Troopers currently serving at the Joint Task Force are combat veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, serving and sacrificing now in Guantanamo. They are skillfully performing the vital mission of providing safe, secure and humane custody to all detainees, and gathering intelligence, which has proved invaluable in support of the Global War on Terror. Many of these detainees are sworn enemies of the US and our allies, and many issue threats daily to the guards, nurses and doctors (and their families back home), who so professionally administer care and custody to all detainees.

Troopers at Guantanamo are Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Civilians, National Guard, Reserves, and are jointly accomplishing a critical mission in support of the Global War on Terror. Guantanamo Troopers are well trained, well equipped and very well led in accomplishing this challenging detention mission. They are committed to running a professional camp in accordance with service values, and all applicable policy and law.

The Troopers who serve at Guantanamo come from cities and towns all across America. Most have had the opportunity to go home on leave during this deployment for a two-week period. When the Troopers return to duty they recount with pride how they’ve been received as heroes in their communities, all across America. As usual, the American people get it right. It’s the sons and daughters of America who are serving at Guantanamo. They enjoy, and have earned, the overwhelming support of a grateful nation.

(Editor’s note; LTC Jeremy M. Martin serves as Director, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)

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