Soldiers' Angels

Through Operation Mardi Gras, Angel Greta Perry worked hard to provide a bit of Mardi Gras to her fellow Louisianans deployed to Iraq.  With Greta at the helm, it was of course a smashing success!  Not only did it bring a taste of home to deployed members of the Lousiana National Guard, it strengthened the bonds between the American and Iraqi military by providing fun and fellowship across cultures.  The following appeared in The Engineer Press (newsletter of the 225th Engineer Brigade):

225th Engineer Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi‐ National Division – Baghdad, from Pineville, La., didn’t get enough of Mardi Gras on the actual holiday – so they celebrated two weeks late with their Iraqi engineer partners in Baghdad Saturday. 

Or some might say, 50 weeks early. Engineer Call, a monthly social intended to bring both U.S. and Iraqi Army Engineers together in a casual atmosphere, is aimed at forging a strong relationship as the Soldiers generate a lasting partnership that will lead to the success of the Government of Iraq. This month’s social was the first held by the Louisiana engineers; and it did not disappoint.

Gumbo, the 1st Cavalry Division Jazz Band, hundreds of colored beads and an indescribable, almost electric spirit, created a night in Iraq the 6th Iraqi Army Engineers will not soon forget.

Iraqi & American soldiers dance at Mardi Gras, sponsored by Soldiers' Angels.

Piper explained Iraqis have the same love of family and religion that is celebrated during Mardi Gras. “We should use that sameness to bridge our differences. We’re more alike than you think we are and that’s what we need to focus on,” she said.

Col. Ahmed Saddam, commander of the 6th Iraqi Army Engineers told the crowd of several hundred Soldiers he would never forget the Mardi Gras experience and it had touched his heart in a special way. He also said it is a life goal of his to make it to a genuine Mardi Gras in Louisiana one day.

Donations from Operation Overseas Mardi Gras, established by Soldiers' Angels, assisted in transforming the plain courtyard area on Camp Liberty into Bourbon Street for the evening. Hanging lights, street signs and colorful décor created an ambiance reminiscent of many evenings spent in the French Quarter.

“The street signs were perfect, they gave it a New Orleans feel to it,” said Piper. “Putting the jazz combo next to one of the lamp posts struck a cord. The sunset was beautiful and the music just touched me.” 

Click to see more pictures from this wonderful event.  Huge thanks to all the awesome Angels who made it possible!