BAGHDAD - It is a tradition in the United States Army for senior leaders to serve Thanksgiving dinner to their Soldiers to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
Senior noncommissioned officers and commissioned officers assigned to 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, continued the practice at Joint Security Station Sheik Amir, Nov. 26.
"These Soldiers are my family out here," said 1st Lt. Kevin Nieto, from Los Angeles. "It's a good feeling; it's definitely nice to work for them for a change."
Standing in front of a steaming hot stove Nieto and his platoon sergeant served their Soldiers turkey, roast beef, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing and many of the traditional foods you find on dinner tables back in the states on Thanksgiving.
"It's a real great experience to serve these guys who have worked so hard for us this tour," explained Clarksville, Texas native, Sgt. 1st Class Lynn Scott.
Scott and his Soldiers live in the small joint security station of Sheik Amir and run daily patrols from the camp. During their tour, the Soldiers have built a family like structure within their platoon, one that makes the holidays easier while deployed.
"Being away from home, it makes it a lot better knowing that I could spend my Thanksgiving with my Soldiers," added Scott. "These guys are a part of my family."
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