Comedians entertain at FOB Hammer

Photo By Staff Sgt. James Hutto | Trenton Jones, a comedian, talks with Soldiers from the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Sept. 28. "It was great that we had time to talk with everyone," said Jones. "It was an honor for me to meet them."  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IRAQ

10.01.2007

Story by Spc. James Hutto 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

By Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Four comedians arrived at Forward Operating Base Hammer Sept. 28 with one mission in mind: entertain the Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

Courtney Gee, Marc Howard, Trenton Jones and Stevie Flye spent the day traveling around FOB Hammer meeting as many Soldiers as they could before performing on the outdoor stage behind the Morale, Welfare and Recreation tent.

"For the past 10 years, I've traveled all over the world entertaining troops and this is the hottest place I've been," Gee said. "By hot, I don't just mean the heat either. This is a war zone. It's a big difference between being here and performing for the Soldiers in Germany. It's special though. We are having a good time."

Gee was especially happy to meet Soldiers and get to know them on a personal level.

"I owe all of you guys a debt for allowing me to enjoy the freedoms I have," Gee said. "You guys have a job-job. You aren't a plumber that gets off work and goes home. You do your job 24-hours a day. You never take off. I just respect that."

Howard was as equally excited about the trip.

"Besides the dust, it's been good to meet people out here," Howard said.

He was also impressed with the female Soldiers of the 3rd HBCT.

"It's always something to see women walking around with M-16's" he said. "I don't know if I feel secure or scared, honestly."

The comedians performed for a large audience that evening. The crowd responded to the various jokes and antics of each comedian and rewarded each with laughter and applause.

Jones was appreciative of the crowd's response, but was sure to explain how much the trip to FOB Hammer meant to him.

"It has been amazing just hanging out here and seeing everyone do what they do," Jones said. "You see how big this operation is back home on the news, but to personally come out here and see it makes it even more personal. It's not just the war in Iraq; its men and women putting their lives on the line. It is amazing."

The 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, is from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

• Date Taken: 10.01.2007
• Date Posted: 10.01.2007 14:44
• Story ID: 12659
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ