Soldiers celebrate Halloween in Iraq

By Capt. Efrem GibsonNovember 2, 2010

Soldiers celebrate Halloween in Iraq
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Soldiers celebrate Halloween in Iraq
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Soldiers celebrate Halloween in Iraq
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. Joe Riddle, a Soldier serving in Iraq with the Enhanced Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, plays a song with his band Jambo during a Halloween party on Camp Taji, Iraq, Oct. 31. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Efrem Gibson, eCAB, 1s... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - U.S. Soldiers deployed to Iraq traded their uniforms for costumes as they celebrated Halloween with parties on Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.

Both parties were organized by Soldiers of the Enhanced Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.

The party held on Oct. 29 was exclusive to Soldiers of the brigade's Headquarters and Headquarters Company.

"It was a huge success," said Cpl. Creshawna Stevens, a native of Junction City, Kan. "We've been working hard, so it was great to see everyone loosen up for a few hours."

Despite being deployed, the parties resembled what a typical Halloween party would look like in the states. Soldiers dressed as several characters including Michael Myers from the "Halloween" movies, and Brian, the dog from the "Family Guy" television show.

Soldiers at the party competed for several prizes, including one for the best costume, which was won by Sgt. Amanda Goodlavage, native of Manhattan, Kan. She appeared as the Queen of Hearts from the movie "Alice in Wonderland."

"The costumes were really good," said Spc. Anita Chacon, native of Fontana, Calif. "I was surprised at the amount of people who showed up in costumes, and all the effort they put into them."

The fun continued on Camp Taji with another Halloween party Oct. 31. This party was open to all Soldiers on Camp Taji, not just members of the brigade. In addition to costumes and live music, Soldiers enjoyed activities like horseshoes and volleyball.

"The volleyball games were great," said Sgt. Shelby Boaz, native of Oldsmar, Fla. "It was good to have something that helped build morale for everyone on Camp Taji."

The Halloween parties were the first of the holiday season for the eCAB, but will likely not be the last. Soldiers are already planning events for Christmas and New Year's Day.