Greetings from Iraq

[Black Sheep]

Just wanted to shout out to you guys. I have been out here with the group Lonestar performing for the troops. It's a hurry up and wait scenario, with very little sleep, but i am grateful for the opportunity to give something back for their service. We have traveled from Kuwait to Balad Airbase, down to Baghdad (Camp Liberty), currently in Al Kut (Camp Delta) and leaving for Talil today. Home on Monday. It's odd, but some of the time it doesn't feel like you're in another country. More like visiting a military base in Texas or Arizona. Everyone here is in great spirits I find, and they are very appreciative of the prayers and thoughts of them back home. I have met a lot of soldiers based out of Texas here too, more than any others I think. So with the exception of a few mortar and rocket strikes and various automatic fire and one communication blackout, it's been quiet and we have had lots of fun with them, including flights in a C117, C130 and a BlackHawk. I will hopefully be able to upload and post a link to all the pics when i get back Monday. Take care.

[FiLtH]

  Cool!  Be safe.

[Tarmac]

Very cool.  Any idea where you performed on Liberty?  I was there a few months ago.  

Yeah, lots of Texas based troops on Liberty - you probably ran into lots of 4th ID guys.

Those trips are much appreciated by the guys over there; you just wish it happened more often and was better publicized.  The only outsider contact I had while over there was a news crew that was there for Memorial Day.  I heard that Dennis Haysbert (?) - the Allstate guy who's in the show The Unit - came to our FOB but I missed him.  

Thanks, hope it was a good experience.

[Black Sheep]

I believe we were at the Striker (Stryker?) sp. compound. They put us up in one of the family mansions turned hotels across the water from the Al Faw palace, which we toured as well. They have a golf tee set up outside our hotel facing the palace hehe. So we smacked a few. I'm missing having any alcohol here, even for a week. Lord, how did you guys do it? And dont say by drinking the N.A. stuff

[DREDIOCK]

I believe we were at the Striker (Stryker?) sp. compound. They put us up in one of the family mansions turned hotels across the water from the Al Faw palace, which we toured as well. They have a golf tee set up outside our hotel facing the palace hehe. So we smacked a few. I'm missing having any alcohol here, even for a week. Lord, how did you guys do it? And dont say by drinking the N.A. stuff

You mean to tell me your on the only foreign post in military history that doesnt make it own secret houch? LOL

Anyway GL and thanks for the service

[1pLUs44]

This Lonestar?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEQYN1DC220

If so, cool!

[REP0MAN]

Probably but without Richie McDonald. He left the band nearly a year ago.

What do you do with 'Lonestar'?

[1pLUs44]

Probably but without Richie McDonald. He left the band nearly a year ago.

What do you do with 'Lonestar'?

That's pretty cool, Lonestar songs are always on the radio, I don't listen to country, but everyone else in my family does. They're huge in Texas, I don't know about America in general though.

[Black Sheep]

I play bass and sing bgv's. They are from TX. The 3 original members left are from the Dallas area i believe. Garland, Plano and Fort Worth. i don't know the area. The new lead singer is from Florida like myself. But he is great. He attracts even more hot girls to the show than Ritchie ever did, and that's ok with me hehe.

As far as finding hooch, we were so dang busy out here that we didn't have time to search really. We're going home Sunday night, so I can wait one more day. I heard that some of them have stills and whatnot, and i believe it.

It has been a great experience out here. Flew hot seat in a C117 and C130 transports. Rode and drove in a few vehicles. Did a combat landing maneuver. Met tons of young grateful soldiers.

[1pLUs44]

Was Ritchie the original singer? Or was he just something else? Oh, and I hope you have a safe trip home as well!

[Lukanian-7]

I play bass and sing bgv's. 

I play bass to. Getting A Fender Jazz, What Do You Have?

[REP0MAN]

Was Ritchie the original singer? Or was he just something else? Oh, and I hope you have a safe trip home as well!

Yes, he is the original lead vocalist. He left to pursue a solo career. He popped up on the Christian charts earlier this year.

Black Sheep, I'm a 20+ years experienced drummer in Oklahoma. We should jam sometime.

[68Hawk]

The troops are always glad when people come over to entertain.  Thanks for contributing.

Liberty and Striker ARE like little pieces of America.  I went back through striker not even a month ago.  It's amazing to come from the forward areas and see what goes on at places like that.  People walking around without weapons.  American franchises everywhere.  Well stocked PXs (especially at Liberty).  A general lack of concern.  The line at the Green Bean becomes one of the largest problems of the day.

I hardily applaud you guys for going over there when you didn't have to.  It really does make a lot of difference for the troops when you do.  If you organize another tour, try to get out to some of the FOBs and maybe even a JSS if you can to really see the place, and to bring the show to the troops who don't get the other amenities that are so readily available at places like the BIAP green zone.  JSS SUJ is a good place that isn't too dangerous but can be considered the 'front lines'.  I got to see Scott Kennedy and his comedy tour there.  While it seems to defeat the purpose to be yelled at to 'sit down, shut up and enjoy the show', it really was a good break from the daily grind.  I'm sure the 82nd guys up there now would love to have the distraction. 

Take care and return home safe!

[DREDIOCK]

Speaking of enertaining the troops.
Did anyone see the show on FOX yesterday about Gary Sinise And the "Lt Dan Band"?

http://onthescene.blogs.foxnews.com/2009/01/07/a-message-from-gary-sinise/



Band dont sound half bad either

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp38ezo4j50

[Sabre]

Dang, that is so cool, Black Sheep.  It's a dream of mine to do a USO tour, but so far I'm not big enough for them (they told me so ). I'd love to hear you thoughts on some of my music, tho.  Check me out at www.myspace.com/richowen61 and tell me what you think.  Thanks so much for entertaining out troops, and pass that along to Lonestar as well.  I've always loved their music.