(L) Les Whitehead shows his juggling prowess. (R) Posing after the show with the S.W. Asia coordinator for Armed Forces Entertainment, Daniel Cook.

March 17, 15:22

Happy St. Patricks Day from Qatar! Tonight we perform at “Oasis,” the local hang out here at Camp Al Sailiya, and it promises to be a full house and a fun show. Last night at Al Udeid we packed the tent (jokingly called the “Wonder-bra Dome” pictured below at sunset). Daniel Cook estimated the crowd to be around 2,500, our largest yet!

Read the rest of this entry »

(L) The outdoor “Wonder Bra” ampitheater. (R) Our point of contact, Les Whitehead.

March 16, Qatar, 16:22 (4:22 pm)

We’ve been in the country for about twelve hours, having taken a brutal 7 hour C130 ride from Bagram. The plane was packed with about 16 passengers and plenty of cargo, so it is was difficult to get comfortable, let alone sleep. Bleary eyed, we were greeted by Sgt. Les Whitehead, our Point of Contact here at Al Udeid Air Base.

Read the rest of this entry »

(L) Osama Bin Ladin’s personal aircraft. (R) Our sleeping quarters during our time in Bagram.

15 March, 0440 Zulu, 0910 local

Starting to get the hang of this time change thing, just in time to leave Afghanistan. Actually, our flight is not until this evening, affording us another day on base to take in the sights, use the facilities, and visit with soldiers. Now that we have done two shows here, people are beginning to recognize us, and that familiarity is promoting some terrific conversations.

Read the rest of this entry »

Mines are everywhere you look in Bagram. The powerful image on the right is framed and displayed at Headquarters.

14 March, Bagram, Afghanistan
0623 Zulu, 1053 local, 1:00am back home

It is another breathtaking day in Bagram with clear skies and gorgeous views of the Hindu Kush Mountain Range. Yesterday (Sunday) was a day of renewal for us, including a meeting with Colonel Algermissen, church services, exercise, and even a massage at the Day Spa/Barber Shop. We also had a fantastic show here last night for about 300 soldiers. How immensely gratifying to perform for them and, especially, have them approach us afterward and offer their appreciation. Of course, we tell them that we are the ones who appreciate them, and this incredible opportunity to be a part of their experience.

Read the rest of this entry »

In Jalalabad, Afghanistan, we had a mixed audience of both military personnel and local nationals. At this “Provisional Rebuilding” base, Americans and Afghans work together to bring positive change to the community.

March 12, Bagram, Afghanistan
1509 Zulu, 7:39 pm local time

This was a day of improvisation, and we enjoyed another sensory rich adventure. We woke early and were at the chilly airfield in time to watch a spectacular sunrise over the mountains. Our transport was a Black Hawk helicoptor, not a Chinock as earlier thought. Also, the schedule was changed to allow us to come back here instead of spending the night in Jalalabad.

Read the rest of this entry »

(L) Green Beans coffee (a morning ritual) at sunrise. (R) Jeremy Rangon (on left) was the navigator at our show last night who hooked me up with a cockpit ride in our C130 to Bagram. Thanks, Jeremy!

March 11, Time: 1220 Zulu, 7:20 EST, 1650 local

Afghanistan time is 30 minutes off the hour

Bagram, Afghanistan

Time is nearly irrelevant. Sleep is also, apparently, irrelevant. We are in the midst of another action packed day. This experience has gone beyond exciting to surreal- without a doubt the most extraordinary thing I’ve ever done.

Read the rest of this entry »

On the tour of Manas Air Base, John taught this Servicewoman to crack the whip!

March 10, 0240 (2:40am)

Uzbekistan is beautiful today. Life is so good.

Read the rest of this entry »

Dan checks out the aircraft cockpit . It is a special day when you pass clubs

around Jake while standing on the wing of an air tanker.

March 8, 0412 (4:12am) Mannas Air Base, Bishkek , Kyrgyzstan

It’s been twenty four hours since we touched down in this country on the first official stop of “Operation Swashbuckle.” So much has happened, yet I know the adventure has just begun. I am about to turn in for the first real rest since we arrived, but before I do, I wanted to convey what has happened so far.

Read the rest of this entry »