There are more than 4,500 DU events every year, but only one has been held in a combat zone. Pennsylvania Army National Guard soldiers hosted the first-ever banquet on Iraqi soil at Camp Taji, Iraq, on June 13, 2009.
Members of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team raffled off and handed out DU pocketknives, hats and even some wild game seasonings. More than 35 new and existing DU members attended the first Iraq banquet and plans to keep the chapter up and running are in place.
"This is certainly a first for DU and it's great to see these troops are using DU as something they can relate to home," said Jim West, group manager of membership and fundraising for DU. "Having a son who spent a year in Iraq, I understand what it means to have something that reminds these soldiers of home, and it means a lot to us at DU to be there for them."
Sgt. John Chrzanowski, 57, of Erie, Pa., is the chapter chairman and explained that the event offered everyone a link to home.
"Showing support for the troops is something DU has always done, whether it is a returning soldier joining the DU TV crew for a waterfowl hunt or just sending care packages to those who have supported us," West explained. "We are a volunteer organization and these soldiers are the rarest breed of volunteer, not only for DU, but also for their country. We look forward to having these soldiers return safely home and appreciate everything they do for our country and for DU."
For more information and banquet photos, click here.