Star Notes
“Veterans Day in a Combat Zone”
By Richard K. Sele
Brigadier General (Retired), US Army
***Click any photo to enlarge***
Veterans Day is observed every November 11th regardless of which day of the week it falls on. From a government website, this day is defined as “a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
If you’re fortunate enough to be in the United States at the time you can enjoy a federal holiday and various festivities. This day looks a little different from the perspective of a combat zone.
This Veterans Day Star Note is more of a storyboard showing what it looked like to me, the soldiers I commanded, and the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division in Diyala Province Iraq, on November 11, 2005.
The dining facility on our forward operating base in Baqubah was decked out with decorations. The grills were running hot with steak, chicken, burgers, hotdogs and the serving lines had all the sides and desserts you’d expect to see on such an event.
A hangar converted into a dining facility to accommodate everyone on Forward Operating Base Warhorse.
The steaks started grilling early!
The food prep staff went all out to ensure there were plenty of side dishes to go with those great steaks.
Personnel on the base, which included American and foreign soldiers, contractors, and civilian government workers, listened to remarks by the Brigade Commander and Command Sergeant Major.
A color guard and a rifle and boot memorial to honor the fallen stood proudly at the front.
Some of the base personnel assemble for the Brigade Commander’s remarks.
Soldiers render a salute during the National Anthem.
Along the blast walls in the background are unit insignias of the current and past units to occupy FOB Warhorse. Also inscribed on the wall those who gave the ultimate sacrifice from the units.
Remembering those who have fallen.
The Brigade Command Sergeant Major out front.
The brigade’s color guard.
Some of the soldiers seated for the event.
My First Sergeant and right hand of my command team seated on the end with her eyes fixed on something…or someone.
Everyone took advantage of the day to briefly relax with a great meal. Those that were on patrol had their food upon return. Foreign soldiers in our coalition joined us to experience some American culture.
Personnel rotated at different times to ensure continuity of operations. The war just didn’t slow down and stop. Observances also took place on nearby Iraqi bases where we stationed some of our soldiers.
“David,” one of the contractors on base, enjoying the meal.
Soldiers at one of our subordinate bases shared local Iraqi food with their Iraqi Army teammates.
Some of the base personnel assemble for the Brigade Commander’s remarks.
An Iraqi soldier digs into one of the enormous platters of local food.
The mission goes on. While soldiers enjoyed the feast and millions of Americans back home relaxed with their family gatherings, you can be sure that training and combat operations continued to press on.
A military working dog and handler take a much-needed break during combat operations that day.
Iraqi soldiers training hard.
A pause while on a dismounted combat patrol.
Iraqi soldiers on a combined operation with our brigade’s soldiers.
Local civilians as the combat patrol moves through their village.
These soldiers would get some of the Veterans Day food once they finished the mission and returned to base.
Date trees formed the backdrop for this photo of one of the brigade’s soldiers.
I hope you have an enjoyable Veterans Day and never forget that we have service members still in harm’s way overseas.