Days 8 & 9....Change of Plans

Haven't been near a computer for a few days because of where we were performing but this past Monday we were delayed at Camp Victory because of yet another sand storm. We were scheduled to fly out to Balad along the Tigris River but was canceled but that was okay as we had two other other places to go to one scheduled literally the last minute. I felt bad for Graham as he had a buddy from high school who was stationed in Balad and what are the odds of actually seeing someone you haven't seen since high school in Iraq? We had two stops the first was inside of a large tent for the Air Force. It's amazing they can erect these huge hanger-sized tents this one for their MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation). Seeing the aircraft out here is amazing and it's like being at an airshow but in this case the aircraft are not just for 'show' but are in a combat zone. I did a few jokes (again) about the C-130 as 'technology on the cutting edge' and they seemed to like that one as the aircraft is over 35 years old but has been modified over the years. The Air Force have a sort of hierarchy depending on what aircraft they work with and obviously take pride in the maintenance with these birds. Again the highlight was being able to talk with the soldiers and most would talk about when they would be going home, how are the folks back home and 'thanks for stopping by' and making us laugh. One such soldier was Johnie Elsenburg, SSgt
also known as "Johnnie in the Desert." He cracked me up and told me that he was working at wanting to be a stand up comic. I told him that I wished I could have met him before our show as I would have had him come up and start the show in a heart beat! He arrived late for the show and that's why he was apologizing for missing the beginning of the show. I told him that he was always welcome to do a 'guest set' when he gets up to Tahoe and that it would be an honor to share the same stage with him so if you're reading this SSgt. Elsenburg you better show up!

The following day was a tough one for all of us. I am not going to name the FOBs (Forward Operating Base) we were scheduled to perform at but word came down that one of the bases lost soldiers and a communication blackout was immediately imposed. The last thing these bases needed were outsiders intruding on their space especially at this time. We were asked if we wanted instead to perform inside the Green Zone for another impromptu show. The area is also known as the IZ (International Zone) to perform at a place called Freedom Rest where soldiers are allowed a few days of R&R for a number of different reasons. Some because of just what happened others for rehabilitation reasons and we all said. "When do we go?" To get there though we had to go via a military convoy that meant traveling in a MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) because roadside bombs are a daily way of life. After putting on the body armor it took about 35 minutes to get to the IZ and again no photography allowed while en route on the road. One of the soldiers who were being deployed on board told me that the MPAC is one of the safest vehicles to be escorted on and that no soldier (or civilian) has lost a life traveling this way. I guess I must have had a serious expression or something for him to tell me that. While en route it was an interesting slice into the look of how the local neighborhoods looked and also how much security were on these roads. I saw other military vehicles that had either pulled over other cars or were working/assisting with the Iraqi Army to secure the route. None of this seems to sink in when you're watching CNN or the news on TV but here you find yourself growing eyes in the back of your head and never staring at anyone for too long. We passed by these marble stairs at this roundabout where that famous image of Saddam Hussein's statue was being torn down when Coalition Forces had taken over the city. We arrived inside the IZ and saw were bombs had demolished one of the palaces that housed the Bath Party. We were then picked up by Sgt. Richardson from Freedom Rest. I asked him if it was okay to drive back to that spot and also the sight where I saw these two huge swords and he said "Not a problem as we have some time." The sun was setting and it made for an eerie silhouette when we arrived there. The swords (seen here above) were at one time symbols to how much power Suddam had. It was pretty surreal to say the least. When we arrived at Freedom Rest it was like an oasis in the middle of the desert. Another faction of Suddam's infrastructure used to be housed here but now served a greater purpose for the soldiers stationed over here. After dinner and the show the three of us invited those who wanted to swim and just hang and sure enough, we wound up in their pool and talking to the men and women until 1am. One of the highlights was being allowed to watch a video one of the soldiers put together on his laptop while on a mission. Seen through his eyes you got a feeling of what it was like to be out on patrol on a daily basis unedited. That coupled with their personal accounts have made this already incredible experience even more inspiring. I just wish we could have remained longer so that we could have heard everyone's stories. However, Scott got an email from one of the soldiers after saying thanks for letting us spend time with you. Here's the soldier's reply to Scott in an email:

Yea no doubt brother, we had a great time with all u guys last night... I will hit u up let u know how the wind is blowing for old blue platoon.... we have been having a pretty rough run lately and the guys have really been spun tight so last night was fun for all of us... but I think it did a world of good for the guys.... any way I will stay in touch.... keep Howie on a leash and tell him to find us some cougars on singles.com.... be safe and catch u another day...