Dan Thurmon » USO Tour

Dan’s USO Tour, aka “Operation Swashbuckle”

admin — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 07:38:56 +0000

Introduction

In March, 2005, Dan (and three of his friends) completed a twenty five day, six country tour of the Middle East to entertain and uplift thousands of brave men and women of our U.S. Military. Here you can experience this adventure for yourself by reading Dan’s first-hand accounts, seeing photos of the experience, and much more.

To navigate this site, you can click the individual journal entries one at a time, or read them in sequence using the “previous” and “next” links withing each entry. Also be sure to check out the additional links for more information.

Dan’s Trip Journal

During the expedition, Dan was able to maintain a day by day account of the experience, incorporating photos and stories in order to provide insights unavailable anywhere else. Enjoy!

Click the date or country to read the desired journal entry and photos.

March 8, Kyrgyzstan

March 10, Uzbekistan

March 11, Afghanistan

March 12, Afghanistan

March 14, Afghanistan

March 15, Afghanistan

March 16, Qatar

March 17, Qatar
March 18, Qatar

Dan throws a backflip on one of Sadam’s personal aircraft.

Click to enlarge photo

Click to see this video

Additional Stories

Rays of Hope (From Dan’s Action Mail Newsletter)

That’s Why (From Dan’s Action Mail Newsletter)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is “Operations Swashbuckle?”

A. It is a comedic expeditionary force founded by Spencer Humm and John Davis, creaters of “Hack and Slash,” a sword fighting, side splitting, entertainment phenomenon. The troupe this time consisted of Spencer, John, Todd Key (a terrific juggler/comedian), and me. The mission is threefold:

1. To raise the spirits and bring laughter to U.S. Servicemen and Servicewomen where they need it most.

2. To retell the stories of what is happening with our military once we return to stateside audiences.

3. To bring goodwill to the local citizens in the countries we visit and represent our country in a positive way.

About the Operation Swashbuckle documentary movie

Q. How did you get to go on this trip?

I first met John, Spence, Todd at Renaissance Festivals more than fifteen years ago. We’ve been good friends ever since and share a genuine respect for each other, both personally and professionally. When I heard about the great work they were doing overseas, I asked to be included in a future proposal. When this opportunity came up, I just had to say “yes,” even though it was challenging to my speaking schedule and family commitments. It fit with my current philosophy of living Off Balance On Purpose.

Q. What did your wife and kids think about you leaving for 25 days and going to a “war zone?”

My wife, Sheilia, was nervous, of course, but very supportive. We talked about it with everyone involved, including my children, Eddie (6) and Maggie (then 2). It was definitely a family decision. To offset the distance, we kept in regular contact with phone calls and these journal entries and photos. This meant a lot to us as a means of sharing the experience. Eddie even got a buzz cut like Dad just to be part of the team!

Q. How is the morale “over there?”

Morale is excellent. Our troops are extremely focused on their jobs and are very proud of what they do every day. When meeting a soldier, airman, or marine, we only had to ask what they do and would get a detailed explaination, and often a demonstration. It was quite the education. The efforts to maintain morale are comprehensive, as it is a primary focus of military leadership. MWR (Morale, welfare, and recreation) is the department we interacted with most at the bases we visited, as we were a part of the morale effort. This department encompases everything from ping pong tables, movies, and organized sports to email/phone centers (for family contact), bingo nights, and live music. Even the food provided (which is excellent in most cases) is considered part of the morale initiative. I can tell you without any question, we are taking good care of our troops, and they are determined, focused, and fit.

Contact Dan to create a program customized for your organization. Email Dan or call 770.982.2664.

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Post tags: afghanistan, iraq, kuwait, kyrgyzstan, Off Balance On Purpose, qatar, USO Tour, uzbekistan

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Snellville, Georgia

admin — Thu, 31 Mar 2005 17:13:53 +0000

The homeward journey began in Iraq aboard this J Series C130 (L). Saying goodbye to Lt. Col. Eddy Saunders at the Kuwait City airport (R).

31 March, Snellville, GA 12:26 PM EST

It’s great to be home!

After the last message we hastily packed our bags and made a mad dash for the flight line. It seems that the Major and Colonel were able to pull some strings. Or, perhaps a grateful audience member decided to help us out. In either case, we had our own private plane again, this time a brand new J series C130.

This new plan afforded us some extra time in Kuwait , where we were greeted by our old friends, Broadie and Contee. Colonel Saunders was with us, but Major Tootle said goodbye in Iraq and was headed back to his home base in Fallujah. We enjoyed the evening together, repacked our gear and went out for a burger at Frosty’s, Camp Doha ‘s recreation center.

Our flight to Frankfurt left around 2:00am yesterday, and I think everyone was able to manage some sleep in route. Once in Frankfurt , we enjoyed our layover in the Delta Crown Room, exchanging laughs and stories from the incredible experience we had shared. We have dramatically deepened our friendships, and I know these guys will always be a part of my life.

Final stats:

25 Days

18 Stage shows

Numerous informal performances

20 Flights (6 commercial aircraft, 6 military C-130s, 8 helicopters)

Countless laughs

We parted ways, John and Spence headed back to Washington , DC and Todd and I to Atlanta . After another ten hour flight, we landed at Hartsfield International. After clearing customs, I was greeted by my wife, Sheila, and son, Eddie, who dropped his “Welcome Home Dad” sign to plant a hug that nearly knocked me over. What a fantastic reception! The homecoming got even better when we reached our house and saw my two year old daughter, Maggie. She ran up to me, arms as wide as her smile, and the days we spent apart melted away.

In my absence, my wife has had our house completely painted, landscaped the yard, and remodeled my closet! Maybe I should leave more often. Speaking of which…

I’m off again in forty five minutes. Tomorrow morning I speak in Billings , Montana . Saturday, I have an engagement in Houston . I’ll be home after that for more than a week, and you had better believe I will be spending most of that time with my family.

The theme of this whole experience has been “Off Balance On Purpose.” It certainly has lived up to that description. I’ve been off balance every step of the way with little sleep, hectic travel, shaved head, personal body armor, and non-stop learning and excitement. But the purpose has been so worthwhile. I have developed a newfound respect and appreciation for the men and women of our armed forces. I understand firsthand how they live, what they deal with on a daily basis and how HUGE the effort to fight terrorism truly is. It is a battle fought on many fronts, and we have had the privilege to experience what few civilians ever will see or do. I am incredibly blessed.

I want to thank my family, friends, clients and collegues for the support, encouragement and prayers throughout the journey. I want to thank, especially my wife, Sheilia, for letting me “go for it!” I want to also thank Mike Thurmon for the fantastic job he did maintaining this website. And thanks to you for coming along with me. I can’t tell you how much your emails meant to me – encouraging and validating our efforts. This truly became a shared experience, through the miracle of modern technology, and it was delightful to describe what we were doing and share some images along the way.

Check back soon, as I will be adding a lot of content, stories, and photos to give this more take away value for all of us. And you better believe I’ll be talking about it in all my future speaking engagements.

God bless you all, bless our troops at home and overseas. Never underestimate the power of laughter or the impact one person can make on the lives of others. Keep looking up, and keep living off balance on purpose.

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Iraq 4

admin — Tue, 29 Mar 2005 17:12:47 +0000

(L) On stage with members of the support team after the show. I counted no less than 100 people who were actively engaged in security and logistics in order to allow our show to happen! (R) An Iraqi fighter at Al Asad.

29 March, Al Asad, Iraq1520 (3:20 pm)

After the last update, we set out on a tour of this impressive base, meeting talented and dedicated individuals along the way. We met with the fire department to discuss the use of juggling torches in the show and got the green light. Among the other highlights, we saw more disabled aircraft, as well as ancient ruins with historic Biblical significance. According to legend, this area was one of the places Abraham stopped to rest as he was traveling to and from Ur. The Oasis still stands, but the inviting water is now extremely toxic. We were sternly warned against touching it.

Our last performance, as I have previously mentioned, took place in a grand theater. What a fitting way to end the trip, playing to a full house on a big stage with the full complement of quality sound and lighting. We pulled out all the stops and the show lasted two full hours. Afterward, as has been our tradition, we visited with the crowd for awhile, taking photos, signing postcards, and sharing stories from both home and abroad. I met several other people from the Atlanta area, which was enjoyable. We also saw Corp. Pat Steffa, one of the dog handlers we had met during the K-9 demonstration in Fallujah.

After packing up the gear, we retired to our “cans,” or sleeping quarters, and the four of us, along with Maj. Tootle and Col. Saunders, enjoyed a victory cigar to celebrate the completion of our mission.

This morning, we went to breakfast than a quick workout.

Wait a minute! I’ve just been alerted that we have to leave immediately, as a brand new Marine C130 is available. Looks like we can get back to Kuwait earlier than expected if we hurry!

The security was extremely efficient in Al Asad. We all appreciate the efforts of (L-R) Cpl Eric Kyne, Cpl Daniel Patron, Cpl Steven Williams, and Cpl Colin Martin. Not only were they great at their jobs, but also terrific guys whom we all enjoyed getting to know.

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Iraq 3

admin — Mon, 28 Mar 2005 17:12:47 +0000

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(L) Dan and Chaplin John Anderson at the Soul Train. (R) Always a Marine audience favorite – Dan demonstrates handstand pushups.Below: The John, Todd, Maj. Tootle, Dan, Lt. Col. Saunders, and Spencer ride the 7 ton truck to the airfield in Al Qa’im- from one show to another.

28 March, Al Asad, Iraq 09:49

We are all a bit groggy today after yesterday’s marathon. As soon as I finished the last update, we headed to church services at the “Soul Train.” One of the locomotives has been converted to a chapel. And Chaplin John Anderson welcomed us warmly and delivered a moving and unique service.

We went to lunch at the DFAC and followed suit with the other Marines who are each required to fill a sand bag with dirt before enjoying their meal. It’s an effective way to get the job done and work up an appetite!

The performance at Al Qaim took place on an outdoor temporary stage with the audience of about 250 Marines seated on cots spread out before us. The show went fantastic, and the positioning of the stage between the buildings created wonderful acoustics, particularly during Spence and John’s whip routines.

Major Tootle did part of the show with us, exchanging some rehearsed dialogue before throwing Todd and me the 7th club and reaping the accolades.

After we shook hands and signed autographs, we hurried to pack our gear so we could ride the 7 ton truck out to the flight line, past the Hewey and Cobra helicopters. Seeing the Sea Stallions come in during the daytime was very cool- the power, noise and heat they generate is shear sensory overload! As it approached I was on the satellite telephone wishing Sheilia (my wife) and Eddie (my son) a Happy Easter. Our conversation ended just as the chopper drowned out our words. This would be our only daylight helicopter trip in Iraq , breaching the security precaution this one time in order to bring an extra show to another group of Marines.

After an hour or so, we set down at a base called Korean Village , situated sixty miles from the Syrian border. This base is quite remote and “no frills,” but the hospitality and appreciation was second to none. They had been out on missions late the night before and were ready for a break. We set up inside the DFAC building, arranging the benches and clearing enough space for our routines. There was no sound system, which actually made for a more intimate experience.

We were quite punchy from the spent energy of a full day’s activity and so with some abandon, we engaged the audience and delivered perhaps our “most fun show” of the entire tour. We each found new moments and ad libbed lines to amuse each other, as well as the crowd.

As soon we were done exchanging thanks with our audience, we received word that our bird, a C46 “Sea Knight” this time, was inbound. Again, we raced to be ready and were swept away into the night, dizzied by the brief, but memorable “touch and go show.”

I have the coolest job in the world!

Another hour in flight and we landed at Al Asad, the site of our final performance of the tour. We landed around 0100 and were met with smiles and top notch security forces led by Captain Derritt, who guided us to drop off our gear at the theater. It is a beautiful venue, last played by Robin Williams and John Elway during their recent USO tour.

Finally, we found our bunk house and dove under the covers. Now refreshed, we are awaiting a bus to take us on a tour of the base. Our last show of this Operation Swashbuckle Tour is scheduled this evening. So, we will have a good bit of the day to rest, regroup, and take care of miscellaneous tasks like laundry and internet.

I am ready to wrap this up with a strong performance tonight and begin the process of heading home to my family. Tomorrow we fly back to Kuwait for a lengthy layover, then take a red eye flight to Frankfurt . The next stop will be then be Atlanta Georgia.

L. Dan and Maj. Ron Tootle enjoy the helicoptor ride to the show at Korean Village (R), a Forward Operating Base near the Syrian border.

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Iraq 2

admin — Sun, 27 Mar 2005 17:07:24 +0000

(L) A large audience in Fallujah. (R) Capt. Kathy Miller, our host and tour guide.

27 March, Easter Sunday Al Qaim, Iraq , 10:00

Two days since the last report and easily a weeks worth of activity. We have three shows to go- today promising to be our busiest day of the trip with two shows in two different cities, two helicopter rides, Easter church services (one hour from now) and, I’m sure, much more I’m not yet aware of.

At the last update, we were in Fallujah, under the consummate care of Captain Kathy Miller. She did an outstanding job of hosting our team and even arranged some special surprises.

One highlight was meeting the talented team at Fallujah’s K-9 Core. Sgt. Romlein hosted the exhibition while handlers and their animals demonstrated the multiple capabilities of the dogs- obedience, attack, guarding of suspects, search and rescue, and explosive ordinance detection(bomb sniffing). But the most exciting part, for sure, was when we all had a chance to try on the padded suit and “catch a dog”, playing the part of the bad guy on the other end of the teeth! The adrenaline rush was intense, and even through the padding, the bite was forceful. Let’s just say these dogs love their job!

The show that night was in the theater, a multi function building that also hosted Good Friday church services. We had a crowd of about 300 people and another memorable performance. The torch routine set off the smoke alarm, creating a comical moment since the guys from the fire department were in the room and had approved the use of fire. Feeling like I had to try something, I threw a single juggling club up to the twenty-five foot roof and hit the ceiling tile that held the alarm. It lifted up six inches in the air, fell back in place, and went silent. Don’t ask me how I did it, but it was effective and pretty darn funny.

That night we were back aboard a CH46 Sea Knight and flew back to Al Taqqadum to refuel, then on to Blue Diamond base in Ramadi. We arrived about 1:30 am, dog tired and ready for rest. The full moon illuminated the desolate base, a bombed out retreat for Saddam and his sons, now a hot spot of insurgent action. We learned that incoming mortar attacks are quite frequent, but that information did not keep us from sleeping. We got a full six hours rest.

The next morning (yesterday) we ventured out to explore. An imposing convoy of LAVs and up armored Humvees stretched across the base, waiting their orders to go on patrol. We talked with a few of the guys in the rear of the convoy for about twenty minutes. One had been injured by an improvised explosive device. They had all been involved in confrontations which, we learned later, take place during patrols about four out of ten times.

The most impressive feature, by far, is the bombed out Palace at the far end of Blue Diamond. This was one where Uday Hussein spent a lot of his time. The once opulent and grand structure looked as if it could collapse at any minute. The damage was from three J-Dam bombs that found their mark shortly after the start of the war in 2003.

The show took place in the back of the Motor Pool, the only facility that would provide the required space and ceiling height to perform our stunts. It turned out to be the perfect venue.

In the midst of such heavy real life drama, it is easy to down-play the importance of what we do. After all, we are just four funny guys who are there to tell some jokes, perform some tricks, and make people laugh. But our efforts are validated at every turn in powerful, humbling ways. After this show, we received the most incredible quote yet from one of our audience members.

“This morning I was in a fire fight. This afternoon for an hour and a half, you let me forget about it. Thanks.”

After the show, we received a tour of the bombed out palace and were able to enter it and explore the stabilized portions. It was quite powerful to stand there and soak in the past and present of the situation. What the future holds is in large part up to the brave Marines we performed for that day – I can’t imagine a more distinguished audience.

After dinner we caught a couple hours rest before boarding another after lights-out flight to Al Qaim. We arrived after midnight and met Gunnery Sgt. Chris Hayes, a very cool guy who guided us to our sleeping quarters. It was not difficult to crash into unconsciousness.

Al Qaim is the impressive central hub of the Iraqi Rail Road located near the Jordan order. It is not currently in operation, but when we met Colonel Mundy this morning, he told me we would be turning it back over to the Iraqis in full working order, in far better condition than we found it.

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Iraq

admin — Fri, 25 Mar 2005 17:05:32 +0000

25 March, 2005 Fallujah, Iraq 07:58

The past thirty six hours have been a blur of activity- sensory rich and thrilling memories that signal this last leg of the journey in Iraq will be an unforgettable capstone of adventure.

Wednesday night we performed at Camp Victory in Kuwait and enjoyed warm and wonderful hospitality. Sgt Ornelas, Cpt. Smith, Cpt. Quatrion, CW4 Hermanson and Col. Smith made us feel at home, giving us fine food at the DFAC, a camp tour, and world class support for our performance.

After finishing the show and doing our “grip and grin” with the audience, we loaded up and headed home to Doha. Waiting in our bunkhouse was Col. Eddie Saunders, a new Point of Contact who will be at our side for the rest of our time here. We grabbed a few hours sleep and Broadie was back to take us to the Kuwait airport.

While airborne in the C130, the Load Master motioned for us to follow him to the flight deck. We obliged, and once we climbed the short staircase into the cockpit, the flight crew erupted into spontaneous applause. They had enjoyed our performance a few days ago at Ali Al Salem and wanted to chat awhile. We quickly donned headsets, and the conversation that followed was a lot of fun.

We returned to our seats for a “combat decent,” or extremely steep dive, into Al Taqqadum. When the rear cargo door of the aircraft opened, wind and sand overtook the compartment because of the local “wind storm.” Next came five Marines who swept in with a similar fashion, unlatched our gear and loaded it into transport vehicles – all in less than two minutes time.

Before we knew it, we were off the plane and on our way to meet our new hosts and explore this former Iraqi air base. First we met Col. Jim McCown, the Chief of Staff at Al Taqqadum (“TQ” for short). And we also met Maj. Ron Tootle, a US Marine and Col. Saunders. Maj. Tootle and I soon made a personal connection – he and I are both from Snellville, GA ! In fact, we were in High School at the same time just a few miles apart from one another! With that local connection a fast friendship took hold.

The base tour included the DFAC (for our first meal of the day), we saw a larger-than-life mural of Saddam Hussein, now disfigured as a result of the overthrown dictatorship. We saw the Iraqi fighters and bombers that are riddled with bullet holes and now only pieces of history. We visited the medical facilities where Spence, John and Todd all had tests to determine blood types (I already knew mine). We also saw beautiful Lake Habbaniyah, once a resort area for the Bathist Party.

We performed in the same building where we ate meals. In fact, the base had to close dinner early to transform the space into our showroom. Just thirty minutes before show time, I thought we would never be ready in time for our scheduled start. But with efficiency and teamwork like I’ve never witnessed, Marines struck all the tables, set up theatrical seating, constructed a stage of wooden blocks and aircraft pallets and hung our banner. Meanwhile, we set up the sound system and props. We started the show as scheduled, on time, as promised.

Just minutes after the show started, a Sergeant approached us and asked to make an announcement. He called for all medical personnel to leave the show at once and report to the surgical unit. He also called for “O” blood donors to follow. We found out later that an insurgent car bomb had found it’s target- the Iraqi National Guard.

There were 18 casualties. Although we never did learn the severity of the injuries, the incident was a harsh reminder of the reality of our circumstances and the importance of our mission.

The show, like all others that preceded it, was warmly received. Afterward, we raced to pack up our equipment and return to the airfield, where a “Sea Knight” helicopter landed to take us to Fallujah. We are only flying at night with lights off and night vision goggles in order to minimize the target we present to the enemy. When taking off, the sand and rock combined with the rotors and created “sparks” of electricity which were extremely cool to see.

What a day! By the time we were in our new quarters, it was after midnight. We rested well and awoke refreshed to take in the next chapter of this exciting story. To be continued…

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(L) Home town aquaintances: Maj. Ronald Tootle and Dan (both from Snellville, GA). (R) Hosts at Camp Victory, Kuwait

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Kuwait 4

admin — Wed, 23 Mar 2005 17:03:34 +0000

Some of the morale boosting activities at Camp Navistar: Basketball and movies.

23 March, Camp Doha, Kuwait 09:45

I’m here at the MWR(Moral, Welfare and Recreation) office as John is teaching Contee, Brody and the rest of the gang the fine art of “whip cracking.” It’s all laughs, and I have to smile at the way these silly skills of ours help make memorable connections and new friends wherever we go.

Thanks to Bovey for allowing the generous use of his personal computer to send the photos you’ve been seeing! Thanks to Sgt. Massey for your hospitality at Camp Navistar. Thanks to Contee and Chuck for the expert assistance and transportation to yesterday’s show. Brody and Larry will take us to Camp Victory tonight for our final show in Kuwait.

Last night at Navistar was another new experience and fantastic performance opportunity. The Camp is about an hour from here, literally on the Iraq border. Several factors made this show unique: First, it was an outdoor performance on the plywood basketball court, with the 500 or so audience members seated in chairs, bleachers and picnic tables. The beautiful, cloudless night, perfect temperature, and brilliant moon made for a relaxed and comfortable mood. High floodlights were positioned to illuminate the space. Tents surrounded us, and the bare bones venue made me feel like I was in an episode of M.A.S.H.

Secondly, about 300 soldiers at Camp Navistar are enjoying their final week before heading home. Most have been here for thirteen months and, needless to say, are anxiously anticipating their homecomings. This only added to the excitement and presented an interesting twist. They will be home before we will!

We spent even more time than usual hanging out with the crowd and enjoying conversations, photo opportunities and stories. I thought I might convey how special these connections are by sharing two specific stories that made huge impressions on the group. Regretfully, I never did get the names of these individuals. But, I feel like we are all old friends.

As we were setting up, a sizeable gentleman approached us, displaying tattoos on both arms and a huge smile. “Hack and Slash,” he exclaimed. “I saw you guys at the Georgia Renaissance Festival. You performed right before the Zucchini Brothers!”

“You mean you saw this guy?” asked John as he pointed to Todd, half of the comedy juggling team the soldier had mentioned.

You could see the joy sweep over the man’s face as he found a familiar element so far from home. He felt like he was part of the act, sat right up front, and even had us sign one of the show posters so that he could show it to his wife when he returned home, six months from now. After the show we continued to talk until we had to leave. As the subject of children came up, he shared with me a personal and somewhat painful exchange he had with his four year old son. The boy told him on the phone, “Daddy, if you will just come home I promise I’ll be good.” Unable to grasp the reasons why his father was gone so long, the boy could only assume it was his behavior.

“I cried for two days,” he told me. “It is so hard being away. Some days and weeks drag on forever.”

Another gentleman told us he was married only twenty five days before he was deployed. “Every day is the same out here. Me and the guys joke it is like the movie Groundhog Day- one day that repeats over and over. Thank you for bringing us something fun and different. What a great change of pace. I was laughing so hard I couldn’t see!”

As we drove back toward Doha, watching the oil fires burn on the horizon and the scattered beams of light from other camps across the desert, we exchanged favorite moments from the experience and congratulations of another mission accomplished.

Interesting Factoid: We learned that since January there has been more movement of American troops and equipment since World War II (including Vietnam and Korea).

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Kuwait 3

admin — Tue, 22 Mar 2005 17:02:34 +0000

(L) The Camp Doha water tower. (R) Todd and Spence hit the gym.

22 March, Camp Doha, Kuwait 0915

Another day at Doha, and it’s starting to feel like we are in a routine. Morning coffee/breakfast with John and Todd (Spencer sleeps in), email at the MWR offices, workout at the gym, lunch, then get ready for our excursion to the evening’s performance. Tonight it is Camp Navistar, about one hour from here and a stone’s throw from the Iraq border. In fact, I’ve heard we will be, technically, in Iraq (if you go by the old maps). When Saddam Hussein was thrown out of town, the borders shifted slightly to Kuwait’s advantage.

Yesterday was another huge success. We entertained an audience of about 750 at Ali Al Salem. The draw was so large, in fact, that they moved our performance out of the scheduled venue and into the PAX Terminal, where we had much more room and higher ceilings to accommodate our stunts. The metal building echoed with whip cracks, applause and laughter for nearly two hours. And, when we finished our finale (Spencer, aka “Slash,” supports a cinder block on his chest while lying on a bed of nails as John, aka “Hack,” breaks the block with a sledge hammer, swinging the heavy tool between the torches Todd and I are throwing to one another as we maintain our balance- Todd on a free standing ladder and I on a six foot unicycle!) the crowd lept to their feet!

During the handshakes that followed, we were each gifted three special coins. In the rich tradition of the Military, coins are created for high ranking officers, for special occasions, and for squadrons or bases throughout the theater. Each coin is unique and extremely limited edition. It is considered an honor to receive one, and they instantly become a valued collectors’ item. The coin is passed from giver to recipient with a subtle, understated handshake. You can imagine our delight to add three beautiful new coins to our collection!

In preparation for this trip, Spencer and John produced our own coins, commemorating the tour and incorporating the “Operation Swashbuckle” insignia. We are having great fun gifting them to the people we meet during our travels. And, they are much appreciated by those who receive them. It’s a special way to acknowledge those who are working so hard to make us feel welcome and support our performances.

Yesterday before we left I got another haircut, even shorter than the one before. It is a “number two” by military standards (zero being bare to the skin), and I’m in no danger of messing it up anytime soon.

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Kuwait 2

admin — Mon, 21 Mar 2005 17:01:33 +0000

(L) We did a bit of entertainment for the guard at Camp New York. (R) The most remote Green Beans Coffee we have seen yet.

21 March, Kuwait

Greetings from Kuwait, where the skies are endless blue and the price of gas is 17 cents per gallon! It is Monday, just after 0900. We slept in later than usual after last night’s performance and missed breakfast this morning.

Yesterday, we spent most of the day here at Camp Doha, our home base. We’ve developed a consistent routine of eating, exercise and other diversions to pass the time and enjoy the surroundings. We also moved to new living quarters and they are a step up from where we had been staying.

At 1500, Brody picked us up in the SUV and Larry followed behind with the pick up truck carrying our equipment. For about an hour or so, we headed out for a strange journey into the desert. We traveled until we had passed the “graveyard” of Iraqi tanks, (relics from the 1991 invasion), and many herds of camels and we officially arrived at a camp called “Middle of Nowhere,” or “Camp New York.” On the way into camp, we even did a special performance for the guards at the gate. These soldiers were unable to leave their posts to enjoy the show so we brought the show to them.

With nothing to obscure the horizon, the desert sunset was stunningly beautiful.

It was hard to imagine now why we have a base in such a location, until we learned that this was a strategic staging area for troops and equipment prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom. The day we arrived, many troops had shipped out to new assignments, leaving a skeleton crew to manage operations. The entire base is being dismantled and we are officially, the last act to perform at this camp.

The show took place inside the “briefing tent” and we played to about 100 people. The crowd was so ready to laugh they almost beat us to the punch lines. We added many improvisations to the script and had as much fun amusing each other as the audience. This show is getting so tight, as we are constantly finding new levels and new ways to enhance each others’ performances.

The international news we are hearing seems surreal. Yesterday, we learned of a bombing in Qatar (where we just were), another in Ramadi (where we are going soon), and a flood in Kabul (where we almost went) which killed over 200 people. We also learned of a 7.0 earthquake in Japan. We are following stateside news as well, and that has been disturbing. All things considered, this seems as good a place to be as any other.

Tonight we perform at Ali Al Salem. All week we will be moving the act closer and closer to Iraq. Our last Kuwait performance will be just 100 yards away from the border between these two countries. On Thursday, we strap on our body armor once again and fly into the Iraqi interior.That is the experience we are all looking forward to as we will be going into the “hot zone.” We know this is where laughter is most needed. Also, we can’t help but realize we will then be in the home stretch of this incredible experience.

I’m really looking forward to getting back to my family and to my future speaking engagements. I am anxious to tell the story of what I’ve seen and of the incredible effort on display here every single day.

(L) A most gorgeous sunset and (R) the Briefing Tent at Camp New York.

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Kuwait

admin — Sat, 19 Mar 2005 16:58:03 +0000

John and Spencer cross blades as we cruise the sky toward Kuwait.

19 March, Kuwait, 15:13

Last night we said goodbye to Qatar and boarded our own personal C130 to Kuwait City. In the back of the bird there were just the four of us and the flight’s Load Master, Tom Marhulik. Before take off we met the flight crew and several others who were taking photos with an American flag at the rear (open compartment) of the plane. We jumped right in and caught some great pictures with them.

While enroute, the fun continued, as Todd and I passed juggling clubs around Tom at 20,000 feet. John and Spence did a swordfight, and I threw in a back flip for good measure. It was our first “in flight” performance, and our audience (just Tom) seemed to really enjoy it.

Upon landing, we were met by Brody and Contee, our hosts here in Kuwait. We spent most of today with Brody touring the city, shopping and eating at a great buffet style restaurant in town. We are back at base now, resting up for tomorrow’s show at Camp New York! More later; my computer time is about to expire.

Click image to enlarge.

(L)Flight crew to Kuwait. (R) Showtime at 20,000 feet for an audience of one.

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