"Christmas in Kandahar"

A post by Damian Penny:

Today, the men and women of the Canadian Forces, and their family members, are in our thoughts and prayers. Merry Christmas to all.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Canadian soldiers stationed in Afghanistan celebrated Christmas with a traditional dinner with all the trimmings.

Hundreds of troops packed a mess hall at Kandahar Airfield to enjoy a holiday feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, yams and sumptuous sugary delights.

Some soldiers sported red Santa hats lined with fluffy white trim, while others donned reindeer antlers and bushy Kris Kringle-like beards.

Col. Jamie Cade, deputy commander of Task Force Kandahar, told the troops Christmas is a time to be with family and friends.

And while the families of most soldiers are back in Canada, Cade said there’s no doubt the men and women in the room are all friends.

Cade praised the troops in the room as an “amazing group of people” who do important work, and do it well.

More:

Front-line Christmas: Turkey, beer, a visit from the boss

Bombadier Shaun Swallow, 23, of Ottawa and Bombadier Mark Hancock, 24, of Labrador, both with 2RCHA Arillery - Petawawa, plant a Christmas tree outside their observation post while on patrol in the Zhari-Panjwaii district in Afghanistan on Wednesday.
Photograph by: Silvia Pecota

PANJWAII DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Christmas on Afghanistan's front lines was as festive as a company of tired soldiers could make it.

There was turkey and trimmings, red Santa hats, as well as a Christmas tree decorated in candy canes and photos of pretty girls...

Troops kick back and enjoy Christmas eve under Afghan skies

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Canadian troops stationed in Afghanistan spent the night before Christmas being entertained under the stars at a concert at Kandahar Airfield.

Ottawa-area singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards and stand-up comedian Mike MacDonald performed for hundreds of soldiers enjoying a rare night off.

As is customary at these types of events, the troops were allowed two beers - a definite morale booster on a military base where Canadians are usually prohibited from drinking alcohol.

But after the night's festivities, it's back to work for soldiers on the base...

Kandahar kids get Canadian Christmas gifts
Soldiers hand out toys, warm clothing outside NATO base in southern Afghanistan

Canadian soldiers outside Kandahar Air Field in southern Afghanistan faced a rowdy crowd of local civilians Wednesday but the encounter had a happy outcome.

Dozens of Afghan children walked away from the meeting with soldiers carrying stuffed toys, new clothes and other Christmas gifts from Canada's Armed Forces.

Two military trucks pulled up just outside the main base at the airfield and soldiers were immediately surrounded by boys and girls of all ages. Troops handed down purple, white and lime-green teddy bears, bars of soap, sweaters and scarves...