DVIDS – News – 41st IBCT soldiers celebrate Christmas in Kosovo; joined by Kosovo President, US Ambassador, KFOR Commander

Posting during the holiday season is never ideal. Family traditions are suspended and personalized gifts and home-cooked meals are given. However, for members of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the friendship and bond between soldiers made Christmas in Kosovo an unforgettable day.

Soldiers from the 41st IBCT of the Oregon Army National Guard are currently deployed to Kosovo in support of the NATO-led KFOR mission. The 41st Division in Kosovo was also joined by National Guard units in Idaho, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

“Being away from home was bittersweet. Although it was difficult being away from home, the bond between my fellow Soldiers became even more meaningful. It honestly strengthened the feeling of family between us,” said Oregon Army National Guard Mikal Van Horn. It was a shared hardship for all of us but we leaned on each other, sharing stories as well as moments of reflection and appreciation for each other and people back home. “Christmas was definitely great because of the people around me.”

Amid the challenges of being separated from loved ones in the United States and the demands of their duty in Kosovo, KFOR Command and the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team provided Soldiers with plenty of opportunities to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season while deployed.

On Christmas Eve at Camp Bondsteel, the day began with a traditional Christmas dinner, including turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes, green beans, and even an egg. The soldiers were joined by special guests from across Kosovo, including Kosovo President Dr. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo Jeffrey M. Hovener, and KFOR Commander Maj. Gen. Enrico Barduani.

The power of a holiday meal combined with other service members is enough to put a smile on any soldier’s face.

“Eating a warm Christmas dinner surrounded by my friends and fellow Soldiers was very important to me because it provided a sense of connection and community,” said Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Kerry Wood. “It’s comforting to be around supportive friends, especially when you’re not able to be with family during the holidays.”

Religious services are also an integral part of Christmas for those who observe.

After Christmas Eve lunch, dozens of Soldiers joined together for a candlelight church service, led by the 41st IBCT Chaplain, Chap. (Major) Patrice Bourne.

“It was important that we come together for this special service. Having been part of services like this for many years as a pastor, I knew the atmosphere from the Christmas decorations, being together in a sacred space, and the overall theme of the evening allowed those who attended to participate in the indescribable But “it is deeply heartwarming,” Bourne said. “I hoped that everyone would feel the message of love from the hymns to the readings, to the lighting of the candles, each of which fosters a sense of hope and unity.”

On Christmas Day, soldiers woke up to a white Christmas in Kosovo. Even though the snow on the ground was thousands of miles away from home, it provided opportunities to make snowmen and engage in friendly snowball fights, things that tended to remind the 41st IBCT members of the traditions and activities they used to do with their friends and family members at home.

Staying in touch with your loved ones is also a vital part of the holiday season for deployed Soldiers. Thanks to modern technology, video calls have allowed soldiers to share part of Christmas morning with their families. These moments, although brief, provide a sense of normalcy and foster a lasting bond with those waiting at home.

“Being able to call home means a lot to me. Being able to hear their voices and see their joy in each other’s company was so heartwarming,” Van Horn said. “It made the miles seem a little shorter, and really reminded me that no matter where I was, My family is with me in spirit.”

The holiday season is a testament to the resilience and character of deployed Soldiers. Less than one percent of Americans raise their right hand and volunteer to serve in the US Army. Of these, fewer are required to spend their vacations away from loved ones supporting missions in the United States and abroad.

For members of the Oregon, Idaho, Tennessee and West Virginia National Guard currently deployed in Kosovo, their pride in service allows them to continue their mission and forge bonds with service members serving to their left and right, on Christmas Day. And every day.