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!

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(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.

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Click Image to enlarge.

(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.

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(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.

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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.

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