On December 25, 2025, while families across America gathered to celebrate the holidays, tens of thousands of U.S. service members were stationed overseas, fulfilling their duties far away from home. From the NATO frontlines in Europe to remote islands in the Indo-Pacific region, deployed troops experienced the festive atmosphere through traditional rituals, community activities, and high-level visits.
On this special day, President Donald Trump continued his tradition of honoring the military by personally calling and extending his holiday wishes to multiple units deployed overseas. During the calls, Trump expressed his respect for the service members, thanking them for sacrificing time with their families during the holiday season to protect America’s borders and global security.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also made Christmas welfare calls to troops stationed around the world from the Pentagon. The calls reached ground forces stationed in South Korea, Kuwait, Norway, Greenland, as well as nuclear-powered aircraft carriers on patrol in the Pacific.
Hegseth emphasized the Trump administration’s commitment to military welfare, including discussions about a Christmas bonus recently proposed to express gratitude for the troops’ steadfastness in challenging environments.
In the Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. military carried out its legendary holiday mission known as “Operation Christmas Drop.” This humanitarian operation, which originated in 1952 and is now in its 74th year, was launched from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
During this mission, U.S. aircrew members, along with allies from Japan, South Korea, and Australia, deployed multiple C-130 transport planes to precision-drop parachute packages containing essential supplies onto over 50 remote islands in the Micronesian and Palauan waters.
These packages donated by Guam residents included rice, fishing nets, books, and children’s toys. As the colorful parachute bundles descended from the sky filled with supplies, to the island residents, these aircrew members were like Christmas Santas descending from the heavens, bridging the ocean.
In Japan and Europe where thousands of troops are stationed, the holiday spirit was equally strong. The “Cookies for Warmth” initiative saw top leadership personally visiting dormitories at Yokota Air Base to deliver hand-baked cookies to young soldiers, easing their homesickness.
Through “Music Diplomacy,” the U.S. Band of the Pacific held Christmas concerts across various locations in Japan, sharing holiday joy with local communities and further strengthening the grassroots connections of the U.S.-Japan alliance.
On the European frontlines, military chaplains conducted Christmas services in hangars or makeshift barracks. Despite the austere surroundings, through video calls with families and traditional Christmas meals, troops safeguarding the NATO eastern flank felt the warmth of home.
The holiday experiences of U.S. military personnel varied due to deployment locations. In regions like Europe and Japan that allow “accompanied tours,” troops could celebrate base festivities with their families. However, in Kuwait or Middle Eastern outposts, holiday celebrations were subdued and vigilant. Regardless of location, these uniformed individuals displayed utmost professionalism.
As President Trump stated in his calls, the dedication of deployed troops is the “best representation of American strength.”
(Adapted from a report by Fox News)