KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- Grandma's homemade pumpkin pie, football, that feeling of being way too stuffed - these are all things that spring to mind when one thinks of Thanksgiving. They are also things Airmen and Soldiers here all missed this year.
Knowing this, a group of Airmen and some entertainers visited the base, hoping to bring a touch of home and a little holiday cheer to the deployed servicemembers here.
Called Operation Season's Greetings, the group consists of members of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band, country music star Jamie O'Neal, latin pop sensation Melina Leon, comedian Dick Hardwick and several cheerleaders from the National Football League's New England Patriots. Their mission in Kirkuk was to let the servicmembers know they were not forgotten and to tell them thanks for their sacrifice during the holiday season.
But they also brought some much-appreciated entertainment.
"Good friends, good music and beautiful women, all in all I'd say it was pretty awesome," said Staff Sgt. Todd Burlew, a security forces member who attended the event.
As important as this event was to the Airmen and Soldiers who attended it, it meant just as much to the entertainers who performed for them.
"I am so happy I can come over here and spend this time with the troops," said Ms. Leon, who is from Puerto Rico. "They all give up so much and are away from their families today, so I am happy to bring them some joy."
These sentiments were echoed by her fellow entertainers.
"This tour is all about bringing a piece of home to the troops," said Staff Sgt. Jason Cale, a guitarist with the USAFE band. "We just want to show them our support and put some smiles on their faces."
But, aside from playing music or telling some jokes, getting the chance to say thanks first-hand was another reason the entertainers joined the tour.
"You [deployed servicemembers] are the real heroes," said Mr. Hardwick. "You sacrifice each and every day, protecting our freedoms and way of life. I, and the rest of the nation, salute you and are extremely proud of you."
For the servicemembers in the audience, this was welcome praise.
"Being so far away from home, it's easy to think that people forget about you," said Senior Airman Jacmaily Estevez, an air traffic controller at Kirkuk. "But having these people come here just to see us and tell us thanks, it really means a lot."
It meant these Airmen and Soldiers did not have to spend another holiday far from home. Because, thanks to Operation Season's Greetings, this year, home came to them.
USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)