Soldiers, Super Bowl ... and BEER!!!!

Here's some glorious news for the fellas in the war zone in Iraq! General Raymond Odierno has issued a waiver allowing soldiers in the war zone to drink beer during the Super Bowl. Alcohol is strictly prohibited in combat zones; but, luckily for the troops Odierno played tight end for the U.S. Military Academy. He's a man that appreciates the importance of Super Bowl and beer.

Here's the story from Yahoo:

U.S. Troops in Iraq get to drink beer for Super Bowl

BAGHDAD – American troops in Iraq will be allowed to drink beer without fear of court-martial for this year's Super Bowl — an exception to a strict military ban on drinking alcohol in combat zones.

In what is sure to be a major morale boost, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. Raymond Odierno, issued a waiver Wednesday paving the way for troops to participate in the popular American football tradition.

Super Bowl XLIII will be played Feb. 1 in Tampa, Fla., but it will be 2 a.m. in Baghdad when the live broadcast starts in Iraq. Troops will gather in dining halls on military bases nationwide to watch the game.

A copy of the waiver said the consumption of alcoholic beverages will be allowed only Feb. 1-2 and service members will be limited to two 12-ounce beers each.

Odierno, who is from northern New Jersey and played tight end at the U.S. Military Academy, will be rooting for the New York Giants, said his spokesman, Col. James Hutton. The Giants play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday a second-round playoff match.

Odierno appeared to acknowledge the sensitivity of drinking alcohol in an Islamic country, particularly considering the Super Bowl falls during a holy period for Iraq's majority Shiite Muslims.

The waiver orders commanders to "keep in mind all host nation laws and customs regarding alcohol consumption" and "to exercise discretion and good judgment in enforcing these guidelines and restrictions."

U.S. troops in Iraq have been banned from drinking, possessing or selling alcoholic beverages under a general order that also bans them from possessing pornography and other activities. They can face a reduction in pay or rank or even a court-martial if they violate the rule.

The Washington Post reported that several service members said the only other time the ban was lifted was in 2005, for troops operating under the Baghdad command.

Drinking alcohol isn't illegal in Iraq but is banned under Islam, and Muslim extremists have frequently targeted liquor stores.

The exemption comes as the U.S. military faces stricter Iraqi oversight under a new security agreement that took effect Jan. 1.

Violence has declined dramatically over the past year, and the Americans are involved in less combat, focusing more on their training and advisory roles.

Only two beers in a 24-hour period ... but, I imagine the guys would otherwise go absolutely berserk! Haaaaaah! Here's to the troops! Savor those two beers slowly and attentively! We all here back home will raise our glasses to you!

Oh, and did you catch the last few lines of the article ... the part about violence having declined dramatically, Iraqi oversight, and Americans involved in less combat? Interesting how we hear so little about THAT part of the war ... but, we sure do hear about if the guys will be drinking beer. Curious ...

I like how ABC News said it would be a major boost to morale ... how 'bout you MSM guys reporting accurately on the war in the first place? THAT would be a real morale booster!