Posted on 08/10/2004 8:45:46 AM PDT by bolobaby
Sean,
I recently heard you talking about Bruce Springsteen on your radio show. After 9/11, my military unit dealt extensively with Mr. Springsteen, and I can’t say I have a very favorable impression of him. Here’s why…
Bravo Co. 1/181st infantry was deployed to Fort Monmouth, NJ from our home state of Massachusetts as part of operation Noble Eagle – homeland defense. It wasn’t a very glamorous deployment – all we really did was check Ids and search cars for an entire year. I think most of us would have rather been overseas in Afghanistan or even Iraq, although we hadn’t invaded Iraq yet.
Still we answered the call of duty – no matter how monotonous – and served our country in a professional manner. While we weren’t separated from our families by oceans, we were still away from our homes and our civilian jobs. I can’t justly compare our service to the hardships of those who served in combat zones, but it is fair to say that – compared to our civilian lives – it wasn’t easy.
Enter Bruce Springsteen.
I don’t know how, but Mr. Springsteen managed to make arrangements to rehearse for his comeback tour, “The Rising,” in Pruden Auditorium at Fort Monmouth. Our unit was informed that Mr. Springsteen, his band, and his crew would be using the fort’s facilities. We were also told that they had been fully briefed on the security procedures that were in place. Nobody was allowed on post without a visitor’s permit and without showing proper identification.
From the day they arrived to the day they left, we had problems with Mr. Springsteen and his entire crew. Most of them thought the words “I’m with Bruce” would be sufficient to get them through the gate. Even after being individually corrected, they would repeatedly try to gain access to the post without the proper credentials. Then, when we would politely refer them to the visitor’s center to get a new pass, they would give us an attitude.
Honestly, I don’t see what was very hard about the whole process. Even the soldiers of our unit were supposed to show ID when entering the post – often to their buddies. This was a safeguard to ensure that a post pass or ID hadn’t been lost and fallen into the wrong hands. Mr. Springsteen and his crew, however, felt that they were above the rules. It only served to frustrate the soldiers who were manning the gates. After all, we were only following orders designed to make the post more secure.
The thing that surprised me the most, though, was the fact that Bruce Springsteen did absolutely nothing for the troops stationed there. He used the fort’s facilities to rehearse but refused to allow anyone in the auditorium while he played. He could have offered to play just one set for the troops, but he didn’t. He didn’t even set up a time when the troops could come down and receive autographs. It was extremely disheartening for everyone in the unit to have a superstar on post who cared so little for the troops. Instead of throwing us a little love, he only threw smarmy “don’t you know who I am” looks over the top of his sunglasses. And we didn’t just get those looks from him – we got them from no-names that were associated with his act. It was pathetic.
I’m sure Mr. Springsteen would be happy to know that we managed to keep a fair number of curious fans from entering the post while he was rehearsing. Some of them even tried to use the “I’m with Bruce” excuse to get through the gates.
In the future, I hope that Fort Monmouth does not offer the use of its facilities to Mr. Springsteen. I don’t know if he paid for the privilege of using the auditorium, but I can honestly say that the soldiers at the gates paid for it with generous quantities of aggravation.
Sincerely,
SSG John Gardner Andersen (retired, at least until I’m sure there is no President Kerry – then I’ll work on convincing my wife to let me get back in!)
Thanks for the clarification, but I would still be curious to know if what is charged really covers the cost of the guards' payroll. Wouldn't our military be better used providing security to taxpayers so islamists don't blow us up?
Since others are posting their celebrity stories, I'll share mine. I know someone who does security for the large venues in Chicago. He said after dealing with Madonna, all the security people were ready to shoot her. Crazed fans are the least of her worries! Contrast that with The Rolling Stones who were kind and gracious the entire time. Ronny Wood even went out with the security people after the last show to shoot pool!
I'm sorry but what program was this on? Does Colin Quinn have his on show? I'm not much of a TV watcher.
Fort Monmouth is less than three-four miles from Springsteen's mansion in Rumson, located just across the street from Rumson Country Day. That's why Fort Monmouth instead of Dix/McGuire.
His cars (at least one Jaguar convertible that needs a lot of maintenance) have been maintained at the Mayo Klinic almost across the street from the fort. Though it has recently moved three miles away into Red Bank.
Hoorah MA-ARNG
"Let's Go!"
I don't know what the show is called, but I guess it's Colin Quinn's own show. It was just him talking. It was on in the gym while I was working out, and I was glad I caught it for those great answers to hypocritical things said by Springsteen. I remember him from SNL, but I don't know much about his current career.
I know Springsteen lived close by, My dad was stationed at Monmouth. I lived in Keansburg, when I was a kid. not to far from the amuesment park.
I know Springsteen lived close by, My dad was stationed at Monmouth. I lived in Keansburg, when I was a kid. not to far from the amuesment park.
So why not send it to Rush instead???
Sounds about right to me.
The Gate guard would be there anyway, regardless of who was using the facilities or not. So the pay is the same. The money paid for the use of the facilities goes to the bases MWR, Morale - Welfare - and Recreation office.
Thank you for your service to our country.
I've hated the Boss and his very-overrated music since that infernal "Born In the U.S.A." song, which is NOT about Bruce's patriotism.
If you are still in the monmouth area, stop by the Bayshore Manor Mobile Home park, the Site manager is Pat Russin, Tell her Geoff Carter said, "hi".
He's got that right. The only black people I've ever seen at a Springsteen show are Clarence Clemons and the stadium employees!
I've despised him ever since that anti-cop song.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.