Army major answers Christmas call of duty

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Santa strapped on his body armor and sidearm Monday and got an early start on his rounds, taking candy canes and holiday wishes to U.S. troops in Iraq.

Santa is Army Maj. Harold Riggins of the 101st Airborne Division and his sleigh on Monday was an Army Black Hawk helicopter. He spent about five hours hopscotching around various U.S. bases.

"Just wanna see the troops, hand out some candy canes and make 'em smile," Riggins said as he headed out on his holiday patrol.

It was the second Christmas mission for Major Santa, who last time donned the red-and-white costume and rode a bicycle to the gates of a U.S. base and wished troops happy holidays as they ventured into their patrol territory.

"It was an awesome experience, for me, seeing the guys as they are headed out on patrol -- possibly getting in harm's way -- to see them smile," he said.

And the Alabama father of four young children says he feels an obligation to troops spending the holidays away from their loved ones. Watch how major brings Christmas to Iraq »

"Our soldiers, they give everything. ... It is my obligation to make them smile," Riggins said. E-mail to a friend

CNN's Alphonso Van Marsh contributed to this report.

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