POWIDZ, Poland – Soldiers of Task Force Marne rang in the New Year with a party at Powidz Forward Operating Station, Poland.
The party comes after the conclusion of a campaign the Marne Division has spiritedly referred to as Operation Holidays. Operation Holidays was devised by division leadership to build esprit-de-corps and ensure everyone in the division stays in good spirits; a challenge while being away from home.
“Operation Holidays was a great opportunity to take care of our most important asset: our people,” said Col. Grant Fawcett, the 3rd Infantry Division Deputy Commander for Support. “We are grateful to the USO, American Red Cross and the Army’s Morale Welfare and Recreation Program for this party to help us kick off 2024 the right way.”
The party, held inside the Powidz MWR building, featured multiple prizes awarded for people in costumes as well as music, dancing and a countdown to midnight.
“These soldiers have gone through some intense training and have proven themselves up for the challenge time and time again,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Hull, a 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade spokesperson, “They have earned this time to unwind.”
New Years Eve fell on the halfway point of Task Force Marne’s deployment to Europe, and redeployment to Fort Stewart is currently templated for the spring.
“There’s more work to do before we go home,” said Hull, “but with this team, we’re going to finish the job well.”