Iraqi citizens working at Contingency Operating Base Adder in southern Iraq celebrate the end of Ramadan at a cookout with Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at the base’s Visitor Control Center.
COB ADDER, Iraq (Oct. 14, 2008) – As steaks and sausages sizzled on a steamy grill, American Soldiers working at the Contingency Operating Base Adder Visitor Control Center sat with Iraqi translators and workers celebrating the end of Ramadan Oct. 4.
"Really, you know it’s a big thing" said Hafud Abdea, a translator at COB Adder for about five years. "These guys … they do a lot of things that units haven’t done before. Like during Ramadan they … celebrated the end with us. They’re doing very good things out here."
The executive officer for the VCC, 2nd Lt. Charles Harrison, assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div., began planning the cookout with his Soldiers a month in advance to make sure everything was in place.
"It’s an awesome feeling," said Harrison, a native of New Orleans. "It gives us a sense of pride and enjoyment to know that we can take care of the Iraqis, because they take care of us."
Several Iraqi interpreters, along with Iraqi citizens who work various jobs on the U.S. base showed up for food and conversation with the Americans.
"I just want to thank these guys," Abdea added. "They’re very friendly with us, and they respect our religion and really do a lot for us."
Along with grilling steaks and sausages, the Iraqis brought mutton and homemade bread to feast on and share with the American Soldiers.
Specialist James Curtis, Company B, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div., on his first deployment to Iraq, has never experienced cultures outside the United States.
"I didn’t really know too much about Iraq when I first got here," said Curtis, from Nashville, Tenn. "It makes me feel good though; to say good job to them for fasting the whole month and to celebrate with them. It makes me feel like being out here is for a good reason."