PLEASE NOTE: I have now placed the posts in chronological order from oldest to last. As you follow this blog and reach the bottom of the page, you will have to click "older posts" to keep reading in that chronological order. (I know it sounds weird but chalk it up to tech stuff.)
So here we go:
January 4, 2007
Hey everyone -
As most of you know, I'm heading off to the Middle East to play for the troops with hit songwriters Thom Shepherd and Bob Reagan along with some great musicians - on fiddle, Cort Wegman, on bass, Philip Pence and drums, John Root. I'll be doing the sound and coming up to do a couple/three songs as the set progresses.
Our itinerary has us in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Djibouti (on the African coast), Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. We also will be spending two nights on an aircraft carrier somewhere in the Persian Gulf. We're leaving Nashville January 10 and arriving back sometime January 31.
Since we'll be 9 hrs ahead, I thought it would be fun to create this blog and post our adventures along with pictures of the trip as we go.
Feel free to comment on the posts and send them to your friends as well.
Thanks for dropping in and hope you come back often.
Jerry
Sunday, February 4, 2007
The right way, the wrong way and the Army way..
January 4, 2007
I thought I'd start this thread with my initial trip experience - and I haven't even left Tennessee!
I was scheduled to get my immunization shots at Ft Campbell (whoops - I guess I did leave TN as Ft Campbell is in KY) at 1 pm today. So I drive 60 miles to the base, get a pass to enter (you have to show them id, proof of vehicle registration and insurance first) and head over to the base "Travel Clinic". After chatting with a few soldiers in the clinic I was called back to be interviewed with an officer about my medical history. Once completed, I was told that now the specific immunization shots were ordered and to come back the next day to have them administered.
"Next day?"
"Yes, the clinic is closed today and is only open from 1230 hrs to 1700 hrs and is on a different part of the base."
"We couldn't have done this part by telephone?"
"No, we needed to see your orders first."
So 120 miles later I'm still not immunized. Okay, tomorrow then.
I hope.
I don't think I would have done well in "this man's Army".
I thought I'd start this thread with my initial trip experience - and I haven't even left Tennessee!
I was scheduled to get my immunization shots at Ft Campbell (whoops - I guess I did leave TN as Ft Campbell is in KY) at 1 pm today. So I drive 60 miles to the base, get a pass to enter (you have to show them id, proof of vehicle registration and insurance first) and head over to the base "Travel Clinic". After chatting with a few soldiers in the clinic I was called back to be interviewed with an officer about my medical history. Once completed, I was told that now the specific immunization shots were ordered and to come back the next day to have them administered.
"Next day?"
"Yes, the clinic is closed today and is only open from 1230 hrs to 1700 hrs and is on a different part of the base."
"We couldn't have done this part by telephone?"
"No, we needed to see your orders first."
So 120 miles later I'm still not immunized. Okay, tomorrow then.
I hope.
I don't think I would have done well in "this man's Army".
Hurry Up And Wait...
January 8, 2007
Okay, got my shots. 6 of them - 3 in each arm. And then the needle points were patched over with official Army requisition Snoopy band aids.
Then this morning it turns out that some commander in Dubais, United Arab Emirates doesn't have his stuff together enough to accomodate us for three days. After all, he's only had since last September to take care of the details.
So the commander at the Pentagon Armed Forces Entertainment cancelled the first three days of the trip. He wasn't too pleased. The drama that unfolded sounded like a good script for a M*A*S*H episode.
We now are scheduled to leave Saturday morning instead.
We're all disappointed. I've heard Dubais is nice this time of year.
Thanks for checking in.
Okay, got my shots. 6 of them - 3 in each arm. And then the needle points were patched over with official Army requisition Snoopy band aids.
Then this morning it turns out that some commander in Dubais, United Arab Emirates doesn't have his stuff together enough to accomodate us for three days. After all, he's only had since last September to take care of the details.
So the commander at the Pentagon Armed Forces Entertainment cancelled the first three days of the trip. He wasn't too pleased. The drama that unfolded sounded like a good script for a M*A*S*H episode.
We now are scheduled to leave Saturday morning instead.
We're all disappointed. I've heard Dubais is nice this time of year.
Thanks for checking in.
Finally!!!!
January 14, 2007
We are on the move!
After the Army issued the band its third (and final) itinerary, we're off. As I write this, we have just arrived in Atlanta awaiting a flight to Frankfurt, then to Bahrain.
Naturally, we have an 8 hr wait until the flight leaves at 6pm tonight. Guess that means we'll be checking out the playoffs at the local bar here in the Atlanta International concourse. Of course, some of us are already pickin' away. Here's Bob Regan on Thom Shepherd's mandolin:
We arrive in Frankfurt 9:05am and then leave on Gulf Air to Bahrain, scheduling to arrive there at 7:15 pm their time.
Bahrain is 9 hrs ahead of US Central time. That means when we arrive there, most of Nashville will be gearing up for a 10am writing session!
Meanwhile, let me introduce you to the rest of the band. Here's Thom Shepherd, our fearless leader. He's the writer of "Riding With Private Malone" and "Redneck Yacht Club" and will be performing these songs and most of the others on the tour:
Here is Cort (left) who plays fiddle and mandolin and Philip (right) who plays bass:
and finally John the drummer:
All are a great bunch of guys. There's lots of laughter, great stories and it is definitely a great hang.
So for now, we're just passing time, playing a few songs and waiting for whatever awaits us.
Thanks for checking in. More later.
We are on the move!
After the Army issued the band its third (and final) itinerary, we're off. As I write this, we have just arrived in Atlanta awaiting a flight to Frankfurt, then to Bahrain.
Naturally, we have an 8 hr wait until the flight leaves at 6pm tonight. Guess that means we'll be checking out the playoffs at the local bar here in the Atlanta International concourse. Of course, some of us are already pickin' away. Here's Bob Regan on Thom Shepherd's mandolin:
We arrive in Frankfurt 9:05am and then leave on Gulf Air to Bahrain, scheduling to arrive there at 7:15 pm their time.
Bahrain is 9 hrs ahead of US Central time. That means when we arrive there, most of Nashville will be gearing up for a 10am writing session!
Meanwhile, let me introduce you to the rest of the band. Here's Thom Shepherd, our fearless leader. He's the writer of "Riding With Private Malone" and "Redneck Yacht Club" and will be performing these songs and most of the others on the tour:
Here is Cort (left) who plays fiddle and mandolin and Philip (right) who plays bass:
and finally John the drummer:
All are a great bunch of guys. There's lots of laughter, great stories and it is definitely a great hang.
So for now, we're just passing time, playing a few songs and waiting for whatever awaits us.
Thanks for checking in. More later.
Greetings from the Kingdom of Bahrain!
January 16, 2007
It is after midnite Nashville time but 9:40 am Tuesday in the Persian Gulf. I'm in an internet cafe across the street from our hotel. Here is a view of the city from my room:
After two long, long days of flying cramped quarters we finally arrived last night here. Bahrain is an island country between Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
We were greeted by Hussein and Manjou who got us thru customs and to our hotel. We are staying here 2 nites (off base). Nice hotel. We each have our own rooms. Get this. We pay $120 per room but are reimbursed by the Army. If we had paid less than $100, we would have to pay it ourselves. Your tax dollars ar work.
One disappoinment. As our schedules have been joggled around so much, the base wan't able to get our paper work in order to play on the aircraft carrier, so no paddling in the Persian Gulf this trip. We're all disappointed but are sure many more adventures are nearby.
Because we all arrived pretty exhausted last nite, we all slept great and don't seem to have any jet lag symptoms.
Breakfast was interesting. Some eggs and fruit (loaded with black olives) and curried garbanzo beans. Tasty, actually.
A few other notes of interest. In the city, we cannot wear shorts that are above the knees. I'm not exactly sure what would happen to us if we did, but I'm not going to test the establishment. We've seen a lot of people with various turbins and such, and even a few women completely covered except for the eyes.
The band plays tonight at 8:30 on the base. We're heading over there in a few minutes to set up, get the sound underway and then we have the day to do some exploring. We're all looking very forward to that.
I haven't had a chance to take many pictures yet - they wouldn't let me take any in the airport (security, I guess), but here are a few more.
This is check-in from Frankfurt to Bahrain:
here is a flight attendant from our flight on Gulf Air:
Finally, did anyone get that license plate number?
It is after midnite Nashville time but 9:40 am Tuesday in the Persian Gulf. I'm in an internet cafe across the street from our hotel. Here is a view of the city from my room:
After two long, long days of flying cramped quarters we finally arrived last night here. Bahrain is an island country between Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
We were greeted by Hussein and Manjou who got us thru customs and to our hotel. We are staying here 2 nites (off base). Nice hotel. We each have our own rooms. Get this. We pay $120 per room but are reimbursed by the Army. If we had paid less than $100, we would have to pay it ourselves. Your tax dollars ar work.
One disappoinment. As our schedules have been joggled around so much, the base wan't able to get our paper work in order to play on the aircraft carrier, so no paddling in the Persian Gulf this trip. We're all disappointed but are sure many more adventures are nearby.
Because we all arrived pretty exhausted last nite, we all slept great and don't seem to have any jet lag symptoms.
Breakfast was interesting. Some eggs and fruit (loaded with black olives) and curried garbanzo beans. Tasty, actually.
A few other notes of interest. In the city, we cannot wear shorts that are above the knees. I'm not exactly sure what would happen to us if we did, but I'm not going to test the establishment. We've seen a lot of people with various turbins and such, and even a few women completely covered except for the eyes.
The band plays tonight at 8:30 on the base. We're heading over there in a few minutes to set up, get the sound underway and then we have the day to do some exploring. We're all looking very forward to that.
I haven't had a chance to take many pictures yet - they wouldn't let me take any in the airport (security, I guess), but here are a few more.
This is check-in from Frankfurt to Bahrain:
here is a flight attendant from our flight on Gulf Air:
Finally, did anyone get that license plate number?
1 show down, 11 to go...
January 17, 2007
First of all, it was awesome this morning and checking in on all the comments keeping me connected to home. Thanks, and keep 'em coming. I never knew my knees were so sexy!
After posting yesterday's blog, Hussein took us to the Naval base here to tour the compound and check out the "venue" where we'll play. Security was intense as we approaced the base, from a distance behind the many barricades:
and closer up:
We were thrilled to find a poster of the gig all over the place. Here's the band and Hussein by one of the posters:
Later, Thom and I decided to check out the streets finding some interesting signs:
and by popular demand, here's a pic of me on a bridge we think crosses into Saudi Arabia:
Upon our return, we went back to the base for a short sound check and then the show. I have to say the band was just spectacular. The musicians were "on" from the first downbeat and the soldiers loved it. Thom put together a great set list of originals and covers that was entertaining, fun and very special. There were several moments that were very emotional for all of us when some songs were being played. During Thom's "Thanks To You" several soldiers stood at attention with hands over their hearts during the whole song! Another took us under his wing. His name is Sean, from Valdosta, Ga, is a helicopter search and rescue officer. Here is myself, Sean, Thom and Dustin, an MP from Oklahoma:
Sean was so enamored with the band and our songwriting backgrounds he went to his apartment and came back with some "gifts". I was stunned to learn he wanted to give me a naval helicopter flight suit! It even fits. Well, kind of.
Sidney, a good guy from India, was there to help with the sound. Here is me (in my new flight suit) and Sidney:
When it came my time to come up and play "Athens Grease" and "For A Little While", the band rocked out. It was a blast and a far cry from the "Bluebirdian" rounds back home:
After the show ended, a lot of guys hung around to talk. They love the connection to home, love to talk about their life here in the military and hanging with someone outside of their normal military routine. I was very touched by their dedication, sincerity and passion. I met one guy in a #10 Vince Young jersey (from California) and another, upon seeing my Titans hat, wanted to talk about Eddie George and NFL football.
Finally, we made it back to the hotel and one of the lounges had pool tables. One Arab befriended Thom and offered to let him wear his head wrap. Here is "Sheik Thom":
Meanwhile, Sheiks shoot pool, too!
That's it for now. Today we hope to see some Bahrainian sites. We're near a big mosque and palace (we heard some Arabic singing loud and clear in the streets yesterday) so that might be in our plans. The Bahranians are very helpful and friendly and it's very safe here to be out in the local color.
Tomorrow we leave for Djibouti.
Again, thanks for checking in and keep those comments coming!
First of all, it was awesome this morning and checking in on all the comments keeping me connected to home. Thanks, and keep 'em coming. I never knew my knees were so sexy!
After posting yesterday's blog, Hussein took us to the Naval base here to tour the compound and check out the "venue" where we'll play. Security was intense as we approaced the base, from a distance behind the many barricades:
and closer up:
We were thrilled to find a poster of the gig all over the place. Here's the band and Hussein by one of the posters:
Later, Thom and I decided to check out the streets finding some interesting signs:
and by popular demand, here's a pic of me on a bridge we think crosses into Saudi Arabia:
Upon our return, we went back to the base for a short sound check and then the show. I have to say the band was just spectacular. The musicians were "on" from the first downbeat and the soldiers loved it. Thom put together a great set list of originals and covers that was entertaining, fun and very special. There were several moments that were very emotional for all of us when some songs were being played. During Thom's "Thanks To You" several soldiers stood at attention with hands over their hearts during the whole song! Another took us under his wing. His name is Sean, from Valdosta, Ga, is a helicopter search and rescue officer. Here is myself, Sean, Thom and Dustin, an MP from Oklahoma:
Sean was so enamored with the band and our songwriting backgrounds he went to his apartment and came back with some "gifts". I was stunned to learn he wanted to give me a naval helicopter flight suit! It even fits. Well, kind of.
Sidney, a good guy from India, was there to help with the sound. Here is me (in my new flight suit) and Sidney:
When it came my time to come up and play "Athens Grease" and "For A Little While", the band rocked out. It was a blast and a far cry from the "Bluebirdian" rounds back home:
After the show ended, a lot of guys hung around to talk. They love the connection to home, love to talk about their life here in the military and hanging with someone outside of their normal military routine. I was very touched by their dedication, sincerity and passion. I met one guy in a #10 Vince Young jersey (from California) and another, upon seeing my Titans hat, wanted to talk about Eddie George and NFL football.
Finally, we made it back to the hotel and one of the lounges had pool tables. One Arab befriended Thom and offered to let him wear his head wrap. Here is "Sheik Thom":
Meanwhile, Sheiks shoot pool, too!
That's it for now. Today we hope to see some Bahrainian sites. We're near a big mosque and palace (we heard some Arabic singing loud and clear in the streets yesterday) so that might be in our plans. The Bahranians are very helpful and friendly and it's very safe here to be out in the local color.
Tomorrow we leave for Djibouti.
Again, thanks for checking in and keep those comments coming!
Another great nite..
January 17, 2007
Hi everyone,
It is 1am in Bahrain right now and we're flying Military out to Djibouti in 5 hrs. As the base at Djibouti is primitive - we're staying in tents and probably not going off base - I'm not sure when I'll be able to check in so I thought I'd make a quick post and then download some more pics and info later.
Today we got to see the city. Manama is the capitol of Bahrain. It appears to also be the only city, so that works well!
So for now, here are a few fun (at least I think so) pics of today's excursion:
We went to a mall/market. There sure are a lot of guys named "Al" here:
We see many many people in all kinds of garb, from western jeans and blouses to very traditional. Here are some hooded women coming into Al's mall:
And some men just hanging:
Here is a local tobacco seller, a very friendly guy:
And finally, I got a kick out of some cabbies in traditional Arab clothing:
Before I sign off, I have to mention that first the show tonite was awesome. The band was again on target and the crowd just loved it. You may have heard some news about a submarine colliding with a tanker in the Persian Gulf. That sub crew just returned here and was at the show.
Meanwhile one of the women here (maybe 20 years old) came up to me and told me her husband was on duty in Iraq and she was video taping the show on her cell phone for him. She asked if it would be possible for Thom to dedicate a song to him. I was able to get word to him and when he did, it got VERY emotional there for everyone. Jerked a couple of tears for me, for sure. Later that night she must have tearfully thanked me 10 times for that little favor. I sure hope he makes it home.
That's it for now. Thank you again for being here. It means a lot.
I'll check in from Djibouti as soon as I can.
Jerry
Hi everyone,
It is 1am in Bahrain right now and we're flying Military out to Djibouti in 5 hrs. As the base at Djibouti is primitive - we're staying in tents and probably not going off base - I'm not sure when I'll be able to check in so I thought I'd make a quick post and then download some more pics and info later.
Today we got to see the city. Manama is the capitol of Bahrain. It appears to also be the only city, so that works well!
So for now, here are a few fun (at least I think so) pics of today's excursion:
We went to a mall/market. There sure are a lot of guys named "Al" here:
We see many many people in all kinds of garb, from western jeans and blouses to very traditional. Here are some hooded women coming into Al's mall:
And some men just hanging:
Here is a local tobacco seller, a very friendly guy:
And finally, I got a kick out of some cabbies in traditional Arab clothing:
Before I sign off, I have to mention that first the show tonite was awesome. The band was again on target and the crowd just loved it. You may have heard some news about a submarine colliding with a tanker in the Persian Gulf. That sub crew just returned here and was at the show.
Meanwhile one of the women here (maybe 20 years old) came up to me and told me her husband was on duty in Iraq and she was video taping the show on her cell phone for him. She asked if it would be possible for Thom to dedicate a song to him. I was able to get word to him and when he did, it got VERY emotional there for everyone. Jerked a couple of tears for me, for sure. Later that night she must have tearfully thanked me 10 times for that little favor. I sure hope he makes it home.
That's it for now. Thank you again for being here. It means a lot.
I'll check in from Djibouti as soon as I can.
Jerry
A fine display of military intelligence...
January 18,2007
Before you follow this post, note that this is part 2 of the post below, "Another great nite", so you may want to browse that first and then come back here.
Back so soon? Okay, here we go.
So as I said below, we were scheduled to leave the hotel at 6am and board a military flight to Djibouti. We left the hotel with packed suitcase and all our band gear (a lot of stuff!) and just as we were walking to the gate to the military airport our liason, Manjou, gets a phone call.
"Your flight has been rescheduled for 0600 tomorrow."
What?!!?
"Be on standby, however, because we may fly out at 1200 hrs or 0300 hrs as well."
There was no explanation as to the change of plans. (BTW, when we didn't get our departure schedule until 10:30 last nite which created a hurried packing of gear and personal items right after the show.)
But what's a band to do? All we could do was head back to the hotel, check back in (at $120/night - remember this is being paid for by our military budget) and keep our bags packed - and just roll with the punches and smile.
Remember the old advertisement for the Army that said, "We get more done by 6am than you do in a day" ?
I don't think so.
Anyway, no tents for us tonite. Darn. I was looking forward to comparing that with my Boundary Waters trips. I kind of doubt we'll be at a 5 star site.
All that being said, I promised to post some more pictures, so here goes.
Bob seems to have picked up the language here quickly
I couldn't pass up taking this one. Starbucks is EVERYWHERE!
No one was interested in going in here:
Or here, for that matter, but this mosque is a part of a large Islamic center:
I know I've introduced you to the band before, but I wanted to show them to you when they are at their best. Thom is the leader/lead singer/entertainer/acoustic guitar player. Cort is an aweosme fiddle player. Here is Thom and Cort (I got a better pic of Thom, but the red-eye touch-up feature messed up and I don't want to embarrass him):
Bob does his share of singing his hit songs and filling in on the entertainment side as well. Not only is he a hit songwriter, he's a great, great guitar player:
Philip is a great bass player and knows how to have fun with the audience:
And finally, John knows how to make his drums happen. He was particulary rockin' last night:
And the real reason we are here. I can't tell you how many times all of us have been thanked by the soldiers and sailors for us coming over here. They are the most appreciative audience I have ever seen. This particular gang just got in only hours before. They had been couped up on a submarine for a couple of weeks and were ready to let off some steam. They definitely did that:
When I sang my Tim McGraw hit they were all singing along at the top of their lungs. Alcohol induced, admittedly, but I sure got a kick out of it. Even signed a bunch of autographs!
I'm having a blast posting these and checking in on all your comments. Please keep it up.
That's it for now. Except for the waiting.
To be continued.......
Before you follow this post, note that this is part 2 of the post below, "Another great nite", so you may want to browse that first and then come back here.
Back so soon? Okay, here we go.
So as I said below, we were scheduled to leave the hotel at 6am and board a military flight to Djibouti. We left the hotel with packed suitcase and all our band gear (a lot of stuff!) and just as we were walking to the gate to the military airport our liason, Manjou, gets a phone call.
"Your flight has been rescheduled for 0600 tomorrow."
What?!!?
"Be on standby, however, because we may fly out at 1200 hrs or 0300 hrs as well."
There was no explanation as to the change of plans. (BTW, when we didn't get our departure schedule until 10:30 last nite which created a hurried packing of gear and personal items right after the show.)
But what's a band to do? All we could do was head back to the hotel, check back in (at $120/night - remember this is being paid for by our military budget) and keep our bags packed - and just roll with the punches and smile.
Remember the old advertisement for the Army that said, "We get more done by 6am than you do in a day" ?
I don't think so.
Anyway, no tents for us tonite. Darn. I was looking forward to comparing that with my Boundary Waters trips. I kind of doubt we'll be at a 5 star site.
All that being said, I promised to post some more pictures, so here goes.
Bob seems to have picked up the language here quicklyI couldn't pass up taking this one. Starbucks is EVERYWHERE!
No one was interested in going in here:
Or here, for that matter, but this mosque is a part of a large Islamic center:
I know I've introduced you to the band before, but I wanted to show them to you when they are at their best. Thom is the leader/lead singer/entertainer/acoustic guitar player. Cort is an aweosme fiddle player. Here is Thom and Cort (I got a better pic of Thom, but the red-eye touch-up feature messed up and I don't want to embarrass him):
Bob does his share of singing his hit songs and filling in on the entertainment side as well. Not only is he a hit songwriter, he's a great, great guitar player:
Philip is a great bass player and knows how to have fun with the audience:
And finally, John knows how to make his drums happen. He was particulary rockin' last night:
And the real reason we are here. I can't tell you how many times all of us have been thanked by the soldiers and sailors for us coming over here. They are the most appreciative audience I have ever seen. This particular gang just got in only hours before. They had been couped up on a submarine for a couple of weeks and were ready to let off some steam. They definitely did that:
When I sang my Tim McGraw hit they were all singing along at the top of their lungs. Alcohol induced, admittedly, but I sure got a kick out of it. Even signed a bunch of autographs!
I'm having a blast posting these and checking in on all your comments. Please keep it up.
That's it for now. Except for the waiting.
To be continued.......
Hello from Djibouti, Africa!
January 20, 2007
Finally.
We made it to Djibouti. And it was no easy task, but it was a great one.
We left the hotel at 8 am Friday morning and waited to be processed for clearance to fly.
While we were waiting, we noticed a VIP entourage and learned is was Sec of Defense Gates. We took a moment for a group photo op and to say goodbye to Manjou and Hussein and then went in to wait for our plane. We eventually loaded up into an Air Force C130
Here’s a group shot of us in the plane just before takeoff.
The flight crew was great, inviting us up for some time in the cockpit.
They had painted a logo on the ceiling and put up a license to kill terrorists:
So far, all the operations I have seen at both bases are noted as "Anti-terrorist", instead of "Operation Iraqi Freedom". There appears to be a lot more going on than just Iraq.
When we weren’t wearing the communication headsets we all had to wear earplugs for the entire 5+hr flight. Its an incredibly noisy plane but the leg room beats commercial liners hands down.
After landing, the crew asked for a group photo.
We were happy to learn they would be at the show later that evening, scheduled for 7pm.
After meeting our liaisons Chris and Will, we were taken to our tent barracks and given a quick tour of the compound. (I plan to take some more pics tomorrow and give you that tour myself)
We were informed that because the base was 20 miles from the Somalia border and Somalia was very volatile right now, that the whole camp was in lock down and we couldn’t go outside the base (we landed on the base). Too bad, because the normal routine was to take the visiting musicians into the city, check out the market and such and then go to a nearby orphanage and play for the kids.
In fact, the base had been in lock down since mid December and we found out that not only would we be staying an extra day, but the 7pm show was canceled and we would do the two shows the next two nights. That meant that we’d disappoint the flight crew who was counting on seeing the show (they were flying out tomorrow). We immediately decided to get the 2 guitars and mandolins and play an acoustic set for them.
It was an incredible experience to just show up, sit down, tune up in front of a surprised group of soldiers (all were there, Army, Navy, Air Force & Marines), announce who we were and then do a Nashville style guitar pull. They sooooo loved it!!
Here are some pics from that little show.
Just before 10pm we stopped for taps and everyone (including us) stood at attention to honor fallen soldiers. It was quite moving. Then Thom once again played “Thanks To You” and the entire audience stood up in honoring us. More tears jerking from me. In front of some bad-ass Marines, I might add.
Again, we were surrounded by thank yous and hand shakes and “this means so much to us that you would come here and bring us a little piece of home”. It is very very hard to describe how you just gotta love these guys (some women recruits, too) for who they are, their sincerity, dedication and heartfelt appreciation that someone - someone out there appreciates that they are holed up in this hot desert hell hole separted from family and loved ones, doing their job that we (yes, we) sent them to do.
It is also impossible to let you know with mere words how touched I am by all of this and how honored I am to be here.
Tomorrow, we plan on taking in the “sights” as they are here on the base, getting some laundry done and getting our computers cleared for internet. This is a very secure base and everything we do has to be cleared. We have no problems with any of that and are happy to cooperate.
So if you are reading this now, you know the clearance was successful and I was able to load this blog and pictures for you.
If you are enjoying it a fraction as much as I am, then we both are having a blast.
Thanks for checking in.
Tomorrow the tour.
Jerry
Finally.
We made it to Djibouti. And it was no easy task, but it was a great one.
We left the hotel at 8 am Friday morning and waited to be processed for clearance to fly.
While we were waiting, we noticed a VIP entourage and learned is was Sec of Defense Gates. We took a moment for a group photo op and to say goodbye to Manjou and Hussein and then went in to wait for our plane. We eventually loaded up into an Air Force C130
Here’s a group shot of us in the plane just before takeoff.
The flight crew was great, inviting us up for some time in the cockpit.
They had painted a logo on the ceiling and put up a license to kill terrorists:
So far, all the operations I have seen at both bases are noted as "Anti-terrorist", instead of "Operation Iraqi Freedom". There appears to be a lot more going on than just Iraq.
When we weren’t wearing the communication headsets we all had to wear earplugs for the entire 5+hr flight. Its an incredibly noisy plane but the leg room beats commercial liners hands down.
After landing, the crew asked for a group photo.
We were happy to learn they would be at the show later that evening, scheduled for 7pm.
After meeting our liaisons Chris and Will, we were taken to our tent barracks and given a quick tour of the compound. (I plan to take some more pics tomorrow and give you that tour myself)
We were informed that because the base was 20 miles from the Somalia border and Somalia was very volatile right now, that the whole camp was in lock down and we couldn’t go outside the base (we landed on the base). Too bad, because the normal routine was to take the visiting musicians into the city, check out the market and such and then go to a nearby orphanage and play for the kids.
In fact, the base had been in lock down since mid December and we found out that not only would we be staying an extra day, but the 7pm show was canceled and we would do the two shows the next two nights. That meant that we’d disappoint the flight crew who was counting on seeing the show (they were flying out tomorrow). We immediately decided to get the 2 guitars and mandolins and play an acoustic set for them.
It was an incredible experience to just show up, sit down, tune up in front of a surprised group of soldiers (all were there, Army, Navy, Air Force & Marines), announce who we were and then do a Nashville style guitar pull. They sooooo loved it!!
Here are some pics from that little show.
Just before 10pm we stopped for taps and everyone (including us) stood at attention to honor fallen soldiers. It was quite moving. Then Thom once again played “Thanks To You” and the entire audience stood up in honoring us. More tears jerking from me. In front of some bad-ass Marines, I might add.
Again, we were surrounded by thank yous and hand shakes and “this means so much to us that you would come here and bring us a little piece of home”. It is very very hard to describe how you just gotta love these guys (some women recruits, too) for who they are, their sincerity, dedication and heartfelt appreciation that someone - someone out there appreciates that they are holed up in this hot desert hell hole separted from family and loved ones, doing their job that we (yes, we) sent them to do.
It is also impossible to let you know with mere words how touched I am by all of this and how honored I am to be here.
Tomorrow, we plan on taking in the “sights” as they are here on the base, getting some laundry done and getting our computers cleared for internet. This is a very secure base and everything we do has to be cleared. We have no problems with any of that and are happy to cooperate.
So if you are reading this now, you know the clearance was successful and I was able to load this blog and pictures for you.
If you are enjoying it a fraction as much as I am, then we both are having a blast.
Thanks for checking in.
Tomorrow the tour.
Jerry
Home Sweet Home or M*A*S*H 2007
January 21, 2007
Okay, I promised a tour in the previous post, so here goes.
The Republic of Djibouti is on the East coast of Africa shored by the Red Sea. This is my first time in Africa and although I had thought of previous visits to more exotic places like Kenya or Kilimanjaro, this will have to do for my “first” here.
Djibouti used to be a French colony, and as a result, Camp Lemonier was once a French base, but the French decided to build a nicer one up the road and leave this to us. There is also a French Foreign Legion base nearby as well.
It is purported that Djibouti is the hottest inhabited place on Earth. Temperatures have been known to reach 140 degrees F in the summer. I noticed today’s temperature at the thermometer just outside the med facility:
Remember, this is January 21.
The camp houses 2,000 personnel of all branches of the military but is officially a Navy base now. It used to be for the Marines, but with a war going on they were needed elsewhere.
We were given a t-shirt that I think summarizes the attitude here about Camp Lemonier:
I love, “Its not hell, but you can see it from here”.
Djibouti is a country of the very poor and the very rich. The upper class is oil $ rich, while the majority of the populace is destitute. There is not such thing, apparently, as a native Djiboutian. The "citizens" are either Ethiopian or Somalian. The average annual income is $450 per year. (I don’t know how many of them are songwriters) It is said that many of the males are addicted to a woody bush leaf harvested in Ethiopia called khat. Ethiopia is bordered on the west while Somalia is just to the south. Apparently there are many beautiful Ethiopian women that "work the bars" in the city. 96% of them are HIV positive.
Let’s take a walk around Camp Lemonier. First here is our home for 4 days and three nights:
Inside we enjoy"air conditioned" (during the 140 degree summers, the tents get down to about 100) comfort:
Outside there is a scenic view as we head toward the latrine and shower area:
Water is a premium subsidy here. Conservation is especially stressed in the shower area:
At the same time the threat of dehydration is high, so there are frequent iced down water caches around camp.
Then there's the state-of-the art movie theater and game room:
And don't forget the shopping mall for your gift shopping needs:
and then there's the recreation area, med facility, mulit-denominational chapel, and chow hall:
The food is quite good and plentiful on base and actually, life doesn’t seem all that bad here, but then again we are here for only a short time. Some soldiers have very long duty here, up to 2 years. That would probably make anyone pretty stir crazy. There is supposed to be a nice 2 1/2 mile hike to the Red Sea, but you have to watch out for the hyenas which can be dangerous. Since we’re locked down, we won’t have that opportunity
Moving on now to the show tonite. I’m beginning to feel like a broken record. The band was its awesome self as usual and the soldiers were their usual incredibly appreciative self. But don’t take that as me becoming hum drum about this. Nothing could be further from the truth. If anything I’m more moved by this than ever. Its just that I have run out of any portion of the English language to exress it, so all I can do is show some more pictures.
Earlier in the day, the entire band wrote a "suggestive" song called "In Djibouti" (a six way publishing nightmare) that was a huge hit with the troops.
At the end of the show, the 2nd encore was “Sweet Home Alabama” and the soldiers swarmed the stage to sing with the band. The Beatles doing “Hey Jude” couldn’t have done better than this:
There were a couple of Marines from a unit who informed me that they had to leave a bunch of guys on a duty and that it was killing them that they couldn’t be there. They had the same duty tomorrow night for our second show. AND they were all shipping "downrange" to Iraq in June. Well, we couldn’t disappoint them and so after all the autograph signing, handshakes and thank yous, we went over to their duty area to play them some songs. We had to. We couldn’t have gone to sleep with a clear conscience if we didn’t.
Here’s a shot of me playing for them:
Thom and Bob:
And one more:
The Marine to my left in the picture above was an enthusiastic 22 year old from Alabama. I asked him was his duty was and he said he was a "combat engineer", which means (his words) "I build shit and blow shit up". He said it very proudly.
I looked into these kids eyes knowing where they were going and prayed, "Please, God, let them all come home"
Okay, I promised a tour in the previous post, so here goes.
The Republic of Djibouti is on the East coast of Africa shored by the Red Sea. This is my first time in Africa and although I had thought of previous visits to more exotic places like Kenya or Kilimanjaro, this will have to do for my “first” here.
Djibouti used to be a French colony, and as a result, Camp Lemonier was once a French base, but the French decided to build a nicer one up the road and leave this to us. There is also a French Foreign Legion base nearby as well.
It is purported that Djibouti is the hottest inhabited place on Earth. Temperatures have been known to reach 140 degrees F in the summer. I noticed today’s temperature at the thermometer just outside the med facility:
Remember, this is January 21.
The camp houses 2,000 personnel of all branches of the military but is officially a Navy base now. It used to be for the Marines, but with a war going on they were needed elsewhere.
We were given a t-shirt that I think summarizes the attitude here about Camp Lemonier:
I love, “Its not hell, but you can see it from here”.
Djibouti is a country of the very poor and the very rich. The upper class is oil $ rich, while the majority of the populace is destitute. There is not such thing, apparently, as a native Djiboutian. The "citizens" are either Ethiopian or Somalian. The average annual income is $450 per year. (I don’t know how many of them are songwriters) It is said that many of the males are addicted to a woody bush leaf harvested in Ethiopia called khat. Ethiopia is bordered on the west while Somalia is just to the south. Apparently there are many beautiful Ethiopian women that "work the bars" in the city. 96% of them are HIV positive.
Let’s take a walk around Camp Lemonier. First here is our home for 4 days and three nights:
Inside we enjoy"air conditioned" (during the 140 degree summers, the tents get down to about 100) comfort:
Outside there is a scenic view as we head toward the latrine and shower area:
Water is a premium subsidy here. Conservation is especially stressed in the shower area:
At the same time the threat of dehydration is high, so there are frequent iced down water caches around camp.
Then there's the state-of-the art movie theater and game room:
And don't forget the shopping mall for your gift shopping needs:
and then there's the recreation area, med facility, mulit-denominational chapel, and chow hall:
The food is quite good and plentiful on base and actually, life doesn’t seem all that bad here, but then again we are here for only a short time. Some soldiers have very long duty here, up to 2 years. That would probably make anyone pretty stir crazy. There is supposed to be a nice 2 1/2 mile hike to the Red Sea, but you have to watch out for the hyenas which can be dangerous. Since we’re locked down, we won’t have that opportunity
Moving on now to the show tonite. I’m beginning to feel like a broken record. The band was its awesome self as usual and the soldiers were their usual incredibly appreciative self. But don’t take that as me becoming hum drum about this. Nothing could be further from the truth. If anything I’m more moved by this than ever. Its just that I have run out of any portion of the English language to exress it, so all I can do is show some more pictures.
Earlier in the day, the entire band wrote a "suggestive" song called "In Djibouti" (a six way publishing nightmare) that was a huge hit with the troops.
At the end of the show, the 2nd encore was “Sweet Home Alabama” and the soldiers swarmed the stage to sing with the band. The Beatles doing “Hey Jude” couldn’t have done better than this:
There were a couple of Marines from a unit who informed me that they had to leave a bunch of guys on a duty and that it was killing them that they couldn’t be there. They had the same duty tomorrow night for our second show. AND they were all shipping "downrange" to Iraq in June. Well, we couldn’t disappoint them and so after all the autograph signing, handshakes and thank yous, we went over to their duty area to play them some songs. We had to. We couldn’t have gone to sleep with a clear conscience if we didn’t.
Here’s a shot of me playing for them:
Thom and Bob:
And one more:
The Marine to my left in the picture above was an enthusiastic 22 year old from Alabama. I asked him was his duty was and he said he was a "combat engineer", which means (his words) "I build shit and blow shit up". He said it very proudly.
I looked into these kids eyes knowing where they were going and prayed, "Please, God, let them all come home"
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