‘Hope and Freedom Tour’ boosts morale at Bagram Airfield

ARNEWS ^ | Dec 22, 2005 | Spc. Tiffany Evans

[SandRat]

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – (Army News Service, Dec. 22, 2005) – Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth Preston brought his Sergeant Major of the Army’s Hope and Freedom Tour 2005 to Bagram Airfield Dec. 17.

Joining him on this tour was Sergeant Major of the Army Reserves Michele Jones, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps John Estrada, Keni Thomas, Mark Wills, Craig Morgan, Al Franken, Traylor Howard, SoulJahz, two Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and members of the U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own”.

“I just want the service members to know that they aren’t forgotten, and that someone cares about them and supports them,” said Thomas. “When troops are in a situation like this they’re not fighting to be heroes, they are thinking of their sense of duty and fighting for those people on their left and right.”

Ranger veterans lend voices on tour

This tour had some prior service members on it who know what the troops are going through and just wanted to be part of bringing them some holiday cheer and letting them know that their efforts are not in vain.

In Oct. 1993, Thomas and fellow Army Rangers participated in an 18-hour firefight in Mogadishu, Somalia, which was recounted in the book and movie “Black Hawk Down.” Thomas said he served in the Army from 1991 to 1997, his whole time in was spent in the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Thomas added that for a song to be good it needs to be based off real experiences and his album “Flags of Our Fathers”, reflects on his time in the service. A majority of the sales profit goes to the “Hero Fund”, a charity for families of Special Operations Soldiers.

Morgan, who served as an Army Ranger from 1985 to 1996, wrote a song entitled “Paradise” about his time in Panama during Operation Just Cause. While out on tours like this one, Morgan said he sees many old battle-buddies who are still in the military.

“While doing these shows for the military and running into old friends I feel slightly guilty, like I should be out there with them still, but with my singing career I’m doing so much more for them,” said Morgan. “Keni (Thomas) and I both are able to raise money for the troops and their families. We also help to spread the military story to a wider audience.”

All of the entertainers on the tour feel it is a privilege to entertain and meet the troops, added Morgan. Thanks to the efforts of service members worldwide, the celebrities on the tour are able to do what they do.

Morale motivation

“I got to meet the Sergeant Major of the Army and many of the celebrities while pulling security for the show,” said Pfc. Beth Yanka, a customs agent with the 164th Military Police Company. “They were all very friendly and just kept thanking me and the other service members for doing our job.”

Another Soldier, Spc. Charles Winscott, a Black Hawk crew chief with C Company, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, said that the USO tour was a great break from the normal day-to-day activities. Any time celebrities come to visit with the troops they get excited because it’s someone new and different.

“Seeing them helps to motivate me and keep me going,” said Winscott. “It’s that link to home and knowing, despite what we see on the news, that we are supported in the thoughts and prayers of those back home.”

Historically, the holiday season around Christmas time is a tough time of year for service members separated from their families, said Preston. The three sergeants major used this tour to meet with their troops because in the end they are the voices for their service members.

“Our mission is to personally thank the service members and let them know that their leaders are a 100 percent behind them,” said Preston. “Three of our main missions are to tell the military story, get the troops public recognition, and spread more good news stories. Bringing the USO tours to the deployed service members helps to support these missions.”

“If anyone says that the service members are fighting and dying in vain, than they’re invalidating everything that we’ve ever fought for and still fight for,” said Thomas. “Because of the men and women on your right and left, you are here and every day after you leave the service you’ll still be thanking them for being here with you today.”

(Editor’s note; Spc. Tiffany Evans serves with the 20th Public Affairs Detachment.)

[SandRat]

Keeping up the Troops Morale

[ConorMacNessa]

So what was Al Franken doing there?

[Moose4]

Hopefully, keeping his mouth shut and staying the hell out of the way of the REAL Americans getting the job done.

}:-)4

[Professional Engineer]

Punching bag?

[SandRat]

Telling bad jokes and trying to play both sides of the issue - Libs quote "We support the Troops but not the mission."

[EricT.]

So what was Al Franken doing there?

PFC:"Darn... I didn't know it was loaded!"

SGT:"You couldn't tell that AT4 was live?!?"

PFC"Sorry Sarge. Do you think anyone will notice Franken missing?"

SGT:"Ummmm....."

[Calpernia]

Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth Preston brought his Sergeant Major of the Army’s Hope and Freedom Tour 2005 to Bagram Airfield Dec. 17.

Joining him on this tour was Sergeant Major of the Army Reserves Michele Jones, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps John Estrada, Keni Thomas, Mark Wills, Craig Morgan, Al Franken, Traylor Howard, SoulJahz, two Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and members of the U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own”.

[MJY1288]

Thank You for all you do to spread the message, I very much appreciate your pings, and I don't often post a response, but I do read these great stories.

Thank You so much and I wish you and yours a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

Another Sgt/Major of the Army, Ret.

http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set3.htm
(See 1st Photo)

.

[Calpernia]

click the pic!

"Light's Please"
Luke 2:8-14And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and Saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

click!

click the pic!

"Light's Please"
Luke 2:8-14And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and Saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

click!

[MJY1288]

Thank You :-)

[Calpernia]

Victorious Lt. Col. Harold G. Moore at PLEIKU Airstrip reading Congratulatory Telegram from Commanding General William Westmoreland who immediately followed him on top of this Jeep to personally salute the members of the 1/7 Cav for their "Outstanding Victory" at IA DRANG.

[Calpernia]

I think I grabbed the wrong photo. Is this the one you wanted brought over?

CSM Basil Plumley, 1/7 Cav, at PLEIKU Airstrip immediately after Victory at IA DRANG, and during the Battle at LZ ALBANY.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

You are correct, Calpernia.

Battle of IA DRANG-1965 Sgt/Major BASIL PLUMLEY, played by actor SAM ELLIOTT in "WE WERE SOLDIERS,"

...went on to become Sgt/Major of the Army.

Actor SAM ELLIOTT Photo:

http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_collection.htm

.

[Sissany]

I don't know who posted my story, but whoever did thank you for helping to spread the good news around. I know I saw some comments directed at Al Franken. Yeah he's a liberal and talks some major BS at times, but he does support us Soldiers and our mission. I got to spend quite a bit of time with everyone on the tour. Franken didn't speak one bad word or bring up politics. He was here to make us life. Heck he even dressed up as a captured Saddam and did a skit. But keep looking for our stories. We publish the Freedom Watch. If you would like to receive email the editor with your name and email address. freedomwatch@baf.afgn.army.mil

[SandRat]

So,... are you Spc. Tiffany Evans serving with the 20th Public Affairs Detachment?

All I did was put up the thread on FR from the Army.mil web site. I go through all the .mil site news almost every evening after I get home from work putting up threads -- got to spread the good news atound somehow since the MSM doesn't seem to want to.

Your depiction of Al Franken is a far-far-far different one from the at home public persona he's presented. From his wild words on Air-America, assaulting a protester during the '04 campaign, the uncivil manner/tone of his books and his deportment towards Radio-TV hosts he disagrees with.

[Sissany]

Yes I am Spc. Tiffany Evans. Yeah he really took us all by surprise. But the Sgt. Major of the Army asked him to come also so we knew he couldn't be to bad. I don't agree with his views on most things, but how he treated us and what he did was beyond what most people do.