U.S. Department of Defense

Santa Claus Visits Iraq

An Iraqi girl waits for the arrival of Santa Claus during a holiday-themed meeting of the Victory Base Council scouting program on Victory Base Complex, Iraq, Dec. 20, 2008. The Victory Base Council is a group of volunteers who are working towards helping local Iraqis establish a scouting program of their own. Each week, the council gathers and leads the children through a number of events including crafts, sports and team-building events.

Iraqi scouts get a visit from Santa Claus, played by civilian contractor Joseph Lord, during a holiday-themed scouting event on Victory Base Complex, Dec. 20, 2008. The Victory Base Council is a group of volunteers who work to help local Iraqis build a Boys and Girl Scouts program of their own. They hold weekly scouting events which include sing-alongs, crafts, sports and team-building events.

An Iraqi girl works on a Christmas tree during arts and crafts at a holiday-themed scouting event on Victory Base Complex, Iraq, Dec. 20, 2008.

An Iraqi girl plays in Santa's sled during a holiday-themed meeting of the Victory Base Council scouting program on Victory Base Complex, Iraq, Dec. 20, 2008.

An Iraqi girl scout receives gifts donated from various people in the United States as part of a holiday celebration on Victory Base Complex, Iraq, Dec. 20, 2008.

A Victory Base Council volunteer leads Iraqi scouts to the next event at a holiday-themed meeting of the Victory Base Council scouting program on Victory Base Complex, Iraq, Dec. 20, 2008.

Santa Claus, played by civilian contractor Joseph Lord, visits Iraqi scouts during a holiday-themed event on Victory Base Complex, Iraq, Dec. 20, 2008. The Victory Base Council is a group of volunteers who work towards helping local Iraqis build Boy and Girl Scouts programs of their own. They hold weekly scouting events which include sing-alongs, crafts, sports and team-building events.

Lt. Col. Don Phillips, team chief, Rapid Equipping Force, helps a young Iraqi boy run home during a kick ball game at a special holiday-themed Victory Base Council scouting event on Victory Base Complex, Iraq, Dec. 20, 2008.

Knot tying was one of the many events at the holiday-themed meeting of the Victory Base Council scouting program on Victory Base Complex, Dec. 20, 2008. The Victory Base Council is a group of volunteers dedicated to helping local Iraqis build their own scouting program. Each week, volunteers lead Iraqi scouts through a number of activities including arts and crafts, sports, sing-alongs and team building events.

Maj. Jennifer Rollins, current operations and tactics, Counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Cell, helps an Iraqi scout apply lip gloss during a holiday-themed meeting of the Victory Base Council scouting program on Victory Base Complex, Iraq, Dec. 20, 2008.

Santa Claus interacts with boys and girls that participate in the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides clubs on Forward Operating Base Liberty, Iraq, Dec. 20, 2008. U.S. servicemembers, who volunteer to help teach the children team-building skills during their weekly meetings, handed out gifts to celebrate the holiday season.

An Iraqi girl waits for the arrival of Santa Claus during a holiday-themed meeting of the Victory Base Council scouting program on Victory Base Complex, Iraq, Dec. 20, 2008. The Victory Base Council is a group of volunteers who are working towards helping local Iraqis establish a scouting program of their own. Each week, the council gathers and leads the children through a number of events including crafts, sports and team-building events.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joy Pariante