I'm sorry I didn't post this sooner, but I had to clear this story through our public affairs office and our intelligence cell before making it public knowledge! :)

'Twas the Night Before Christmas
-By Captain Marissa Mitchell, US Army, OIF 2007-2008

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and back in my trailer
I felt lonely and cold, like a long adrift sailor.

My roommate was snuggled up close to the heater.
If it turned on again, I swore I would beat her.

Melancholy, I gazed at my tiny, lit tree,
Wishing that I was back home with my family.

When outside, I heard the most terrible roar!
The sirens were blaring and I hit the floor.

“That was too loud for rocket or car bomb,” I said.
“Could it be a mortar the size of my head?”

Moments later, the giant voice sounded: “All Clear!”
Then I wandered outside, and I heard, “Over here!”

Toward the palace I ran, and looked at the porch roof.
Could it be? Hanging over the edge was a hoof!

And dangling beside it, a man all in red.
“It’s a short drop, let go. You can do it!” I said.

He took my advice and he dropped to the ground.
Helping him to his feet, I then turned him around.

“Who are you?” I asked. He looked at me and paused.
“Don’t you recognize me? It is I, Santa Claus!”

I laughed at his story. “The MPs will love you.”
“Don’t believe me?” He asked. “Well, then look up above you!”

I lifted my eyes, and what did I see
But eight furry faces that stared back at me.

“It’s okay, guys,” he called. “It’s safe to come down.”
Then the eight reindeer leaped without making a sound.

Behind them, a sleigh landed softly in dirt.
I gasped and I sputtered, “Is anyone hurt?”

“Not at all,” the man said, and he laughed merrily.
“I got lost, and this palace just crashed into me!”

I sat on a bench there and talked to St. Nick.
He regaled me with tales of his annual trip.

Then I looked at his overstuffed, velvety pack.
“Santa, what did you bring for the folks in Iraq?”

At that he grew quiet and lost in his thought.
“Peace and freedom for all are the gifts that I brought.”

“But the sight of my gifts seemed to fill them with dread.
They yelled ‘Allah Ahkbar!’ and they shot at my sled!"

His shoulders drooped forward, the jolly elf cried.
So I hugged him. “Dear Santa, it’s good that you tried.”

“But peace and freedom can’t come wrapped in a bow.
The people must want them; we can’t wish it so.”

“Someday this country will prosper, just wait,
These people will move past their fear and their hate.”

He nodded; a smile had returned to his face.
“But I can do some good, here in this tired place.”

From his sleigh he withdrew a box wrapped all in red.
“This may be the best gift of all,” Santa said.

He climbed into his sleigh. “You’ve restored my faith!
Merry Christmas, my child, and please keep yourself safe!”

I watched as the reindeer flew into the sky.
“On Dasher, on Dancer…” and I bid them goodbye.

I unwrapped my box with the greatest of care
And I gazed in wonder at the gift hidden there.

The beautiful note inside made my eyes tear.
“I promise you’ll be home for Christmas next year.”