Col. Ahmed Saddam, commander of the 6th Iraqi Army Engineers, shares in dance with his Louisiana National Guard partners from the 225th Engineer Brigade, during a Mardi Gras themed celebration on Camp Liberty, March 7. Courtesy photo.

“Engineer Call,” a monthly social intended to bring both U.S. and Iraqi Army Engineers together in a casual atmosphere, aims at forging a strong relationship between both groups. This month’s social, the first held by the Louisiana-based engineers, did not disappoint.

Gumbo, the 1st Cavalry Division Jazz Band, hundreds of colored beads and an indescribable, almost electric spirit, created a night in Iraq the 6th Iraqi Army Engineers would not soon forget.

“When everybody got there, they could feel the atmosphere was different,” Lt. Col. LaDenna Piper, originally from New Orleans said. “We shared a part of our state with everyone and they got to see the best Louisiana has to offer; the joy of friendship, the joy of song and the joy of life. That’s what Mardi Gras is all about.”

Piper explained Iraqis have the same love of family and religion that is celebrated during Mardi Gras.

“We should use that sameness to bridge our differences. We’re more alike than you think we are and that’s what we need to focus on,” Piper said.

Col. Ahmed Saddam, commander of the 6th Iraqi Army Engineers, told the crowd of several hundred Soldiers he would never forget the Mardi Gras experience and it had touched his heart in a special way.

He also said it is a life goal of his to make it to a genuine Mardi Gras in Louisiana one day.

Donations from ‘Operation Overseas Mardi Gras’ established by the group ‘Soldier’s Angels’ assisted in transforming the plain courtyard area on Camp Liberty into Bourbon Street for the evening. Hanging lights, street signs and colorful décor created an ambiance reminiscent of many evenings spent in the French Quarter.

“The street signs were perfect, they gave it a New Orleans feel to it,” said Piper. “Putting the jazz combo next to one of the lamp posts struck a cord. The sunset was beautiful and the music just touched me.”