DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
JOINT TASK FORCE 134
Detainee Operations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release 20090906
Sept. 6, 2009

Camp Cropper distributes dates to detainees for Ramadan

CAMP CROPPER, Iraq – Dining facility personnel received seven tons of dates from the Government of Iraq here recently to give to detainees observing Ramadan.

The dates play an important role in religious practices during Ramadan.

“It is believed in the Islamic religion that the Prophet Muhammad broke his fast with them,” said Staff Sgt. John Bernard, A Company, 100 Brigade Support Battalion, noncommissioned officer in charge of the detainee dining facility, about the dates. “It is said that he would consume dates and water prior to Iftar, which is the meal that is eaten right after sunset.”

The detainees are provided with a minimum of three dates each at the Iftar meal every night.

“The dates are delivered along with the Iftar meal to the detainees in the each compound,” Bernard said. “Each zone has its own food chief who is responsible for distributing the dates to the detainees in each zone as well as the serving of the Iftar meal.”

Before the dates can be sent out to the theater internment facility, they must be inspected by the 64th Medical Detachment Veterinary Service food safety officer.

“Inspections at the theater internment facilities are one of our highest priorities,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Patrick Lawrence, 64th MDVS food safety officer. “Upon delivery, we will ensure that the dates are being maintained in sanitary manner and that the dates are stored at proper temperatures.”

During the holy month of Ramadan, the dining facility will serve its meals later in the evening, Bernard said.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT MNF-I Joint Task Force 134, at DSN 318-485-2802/2227/4030 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .