COB Basra – A taste of home was served up “Saint Paul” style, December 12, as members of the Minnesota-based Serving Our Troops organization catered to Soldiers in Basra, Iraq, and Camp Buering, Kuwait, as well as family members who gathered at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St Paul, Minn. via a live video link.
Local chefs, who flew into Kuwait two days ago, grilled and served more than 6,500, 12-ounce steaks – also delivered for the special meal – to members of the 34th Infantry Division. More importantly, the occasion allowed everyone involved a chance to connect with family 6,000 miles away.
“This was the highlight of my day,” said Master Sgt. Jeff Vaske, Roseville, Minn., 34th Inf. Div., senior NCO.
Occasionally days can get redundant, said Sgt. 1st Class Jeffry Taylor, Bryton, Minn., 34th Inf. Div. tactical command post.
“But, today was awesome,” he said.
The event entitled “Saint Paul to Iraq and Kuwait” is the seventh project for the non-profit group since 2004 and having served over 40,000 steaks over it history. However, this was the largest staging yet.
“Each mission is more complex and more expensive and we continue to reach out to businesses and the entire community for donations and support to make it happen,” said Pat Harris, Saint Paul City Council member and organizational co-founder.
“Serving our troops is a very special and unique way to give these families a chance to share a delicious meal together that happens to feature an amazing steak,” he said.
Normally catering to members of the Minnesota National Guard, Harris was proud to be in Basra where the 34th Infantry Division “Red Bulls”, from Minn. are stationed while in command of Multi-National Division South. Additionally, those involved savored the chance to feed Soldiers from outside of Minnesota who are stationed in Basra.
“It’s a point of Minnesota pride to be able to serve everyone,” said Maj. Gen, Richard Nash, commander of MND-S. “They provided 5,500 steaks to Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airman, and civilians from all over,”
The Serving Our Troops volunteers in Basra, who include local business owners, were joined by representatives of the Saint Paul Police Federation, the Minnesota Vikings, the golf event Tee It Up for the Troops, and “Superstar” Mike Morris from KFAN radio.
The live video feed and the chance for service members to use Skype cameras and computer laptops to speak – and be seen – by loved ones were the highlights of the dining experience.
Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General, were among the speakers who addressed the troops from Minnesota.
At one point a birthday cake appeared on the screen with lit candles and the words “Happy 22nd Birthday Spc. Ramos.”
With much cheering from the crowd Spc. Michael Ramos, Stacey, Minn., an entry control point team member with the 34th MP Company, walked up to the screen and simulated blowing out the candles from the other side of the globe.
He was then treated to a rousing performance of “Happy Birthday” from his fellow Soldiers.
