Eagle Five hosts Eid al-Adha observance at Forward Operating Base Spin Boldak

News: Eagle Five hosts Eid al-Adha observance at Forward Operating Base Spin Boldak

117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (Hawaii)

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1st Lt. Veronica Aguila

Albanian Lt. Col. Ekland Dauti, commander of the Albanian Special Operations Force Contingent Eagle Five, serves cake to guests during an Eid al-Adha celebration meal at Forward Operating Base Spin Boldak, Afghanistan, Oct. 26, 2012. Albanian service members hosted the celebration to commemorate the Eid al-Adha holiday observed by Muslims worldwide.

Story by 1st Lt. Veronica Aguila

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan – Coalition forces observed the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha during a celebration hosted by Albanian service members at Forward Operating Base Spin Boldak, Oct. 26.

The Muslim holiday commemorates the act of obedience by the prophet Abraham. Eid activities include making charitable contributions and a celebratory meal in addition to visits and gatherings with families, neighbors and friends.

The event organized by the Albanian Special Operations Force Contingent Eagle Five brought together Muslim and non-Muslim service members and civilians from throughout the base. The celebration, known as Kurban Bajram in Albanian, centered around a lunchtime barbeque open to all personnel.

Long before the arrival of their first guests, the Albanian service members began the meal preparations of sheep and other meats according to their customs.

“Traditionally an animal is killed, cooked and shared with neighbors and the less fortunate,” said Albanian Maj. Ramadan Karakushi, the executive officer of the ALBSOF Contingent Eagle Five. “We say a prayer as we prepare the animal and wish people peace and the best future. Whoever is a rich man can make a lunch for the less fortunate. We do these offerings to show our thanks for the things that we have,” said Karakushi.

While Albanian music played over the sound system, personnel representing multiple countries gathered to participate in the Eid meal. Albanian Lt. Col. Ekland Dauti, commander of the ALBSOF Contingent Eagle Five, dressed in local Afghan attire, greeted attendees wishing them a good life, good health, peace in Afghanistan and harmony around the world.

For Karakushi, this event represents an opportunity to honor and share culture, build camaraderie and let his military counterparts know his wish for them to return home safely.

“We celebrate to share our culture and build friendships. This day is a good day for people to link up and to forget negative things,” said Karakushi. “We wish our coalition forces a safe mission in Afghanistan and good trip home at the end of their mission.”