Day 8 - A Birthday to Remember

As days continue to pass by here in Iraq, we here have more to look forward to than the holiday season. Many here will celebrate anniversaries, personal milestones, and birthdays. Although away from loved ones back home, they are fortunate to be surrounded by a group of people who relate to their experience, doing what they can to ensure a memorable day. Today, two Marines celebrated their 21st and 22nd birthdays in Iraq. Initially homesick, their fellow warriors soon made their day truly a day to celebrate.

The first, a Lance Corporal in the Marines, was sent away by her supervisor to work for a few hours. Meanwhile, we were back at the office preparing for her surprise. As lookouts kept a watchful eye on entrances, we worked to wrap her present: a sweater she had been looking at the past few days at the Post Exchange. Placed in an empty box wrapped in white paper, we added our own touch to liven up the décor. In colorful letters read the words “Happy Birthday”. Affixed to the box was a card we secretly passed around the office earlier that morning for everyone to sign.

As the birthday Marine walked back into the building, feeling down about having to work, as well as being away for her 22nd birthday, she was stopped in the hallway by an awaiting superior. Told she had made a mistake on her prior day and needed to correct it, she stood outside as we hurried into her office. As she stepped through the doorway, we greeted her with the thunderous roar of a “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” Surprised, she took a step backwards to take in the occasion. All of her fellow coworkers, those she have known for as little as 7 weeks to as long as 11 long grueling months, were there to support her.

With the present situated on her desk, which was also adorned with Christmas decorations, she hesitated for a moment before opening her gift. Upon seeing the sweater, she quickly put it on, thanking us all for showing how much we cared. As we attempted to sing the traditional lyrics of “Happy Birthday”, there she stood awestruck. Applause heard from offices opposite of ours, she paused for pictures documenting the occasion.

Wearing the sweater, she invited us all to see why she had desired it. Sewn into the material was a logo which reminded her of home. It reminded her that she had less than two months before being reunited with family and friends back in the States. She invited us to feel the softness and warmth of the material, an amenity needed here during the cold days of December. Though we were in a combat zone where most of us felt insignificant in a mass of warriors, today was her day. Today, several friends came together to show her how much we cared.

Later that evening, another Marine was due to celebrate her 21st birthday. As we piled six people into a 5-seater pickup truck, loaded with prepared meat, a BBQ grill, cards and a gift, we made our way across the camp for another evening of festivities.

Arriving early to set up and start the grill that would soon feed many, we took in the sights. Surrounded by military vehicles and supplies, we were able to transform a warehouse into a ballroom, complete with music and food. We were able to rid the area of military association for a night and bring in the comforts once enjoyed, comforts surely to be enjoyed upon returning home.

As the grill was filled with seasoned pieces of chicken, ribs, and hamburgers, guests began to arrive with sides, drinks, and snacks. A table sat to the side covered in a variety of chips, drinks, snacks, candy, and utensils. As music played in the background, card games were played between groups who came out to show their support.

As cameras flashed, the Marine celebrating her 21st birthday, her 1st birthday away from home, was amazed at the effort that went into the planning of her special day. A sign hanging from the large folding door would become the background for many pictures throughout the night.

After all had enjoyed their fillings of food and drink, the birthday Marine stood in a large circle conversing, her surprise being carried in behind her. A cake which had been prepared just hours prior, topped with 21 Jolly Ranchers in place of candles, was presented to her amongst the large group. Cards were passed to her as we sang another round of “Happy Birthday” to a special friend we had made here in the desert.

The night constantly illuminated with the flash of cameras, we brought out her surprise gift, one she was sure to enjoy: a Dora the Explorer Piñata. Upon seeing the gift, she immediately looked to the members of my unit, all of us knowing she was fascinated with the character. Thanking all of us, she posed for another round of photos.

Upon the urging of many, the piñata was strung from the ceiling, a bat placed in her hand. Blindfolded and spinning in a circle 21 consecutive times, she prepared for the highlight of the evening. Losing balance for a brief moment, falling to the ground, she was guided onto the “firing range”. Three fierce swings later, candy poured onto the floor, troops rushing to have their pick.

This joyous day in Iraq would be one to remember. Although alcohol is not permitted, we proved it was not needed to celebrate. We were each other’s entertainment; we were the spirits that would keep the party going for hours into the night. For today was not about firing a weapon, riding in a convoy, or soaring high in the sky, but for two Marines who many came out to support. Surrounded by friends, they celebrated a birthday to remember this December day.