Photo By Senior Chief Petty Officer John Osborne | Vice Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Marine Gen. James Cartwright takes time for...... read more read more
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By Petty Officer 1st Class John Osborne
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Public Affairs
CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – Vice Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Marine Gen. James Cartwright brought more than just a message of encouragement and support to Djibouti when he visited Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines serving the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa at Camp Lemonier the day after Thanksgiving. He also arrived in the company of world-famous comedian Russell Peters, actor Wilmer Valderrama, Fez from "That 70's Show," and model-actress Mayra Veronica, voted one of FHM's Sexiest Women in the World three times, and the Marine Corps Pin-up Girl of the Year for 2006.
"I bring no power point and I bring no speeches," Cartwright said to the delight of the crowd. "We are just out here to because we appreciate what you are doing and we want to let you know your work has not gone unnoticed. When I travel around the U.S., people talk about what you all have been able to do down here with a relatively small force and the difference it is making and the model that is being set here for AFRICOM as it starts to stand up. You are setting that up and it is really starting to get noticed in a lot of different areas. My hat is off to you. Thank you for being here and thank you for the sacrifices you and your families have made. Remember that what you are doing out here is really making a difference."
Valderrama was the first of the celebrities to thank the service members for their work. "I've made a long-term commitment with the USO (United Service Organizations) to make sure I come out to spend time with you all so you know how much we appreciate what you do for us," he said. "You all are one of the major reasons I'm so proud to be an American. To see how willing you all are to take these jobs that separate you from your families makes me proud and grateful. You guys have a drive and a passion that not everybody has. My family and I have the American dream, and that dream is only alive because of the crucial job you all perform out here."
Veronica was up next, bringing a roar from the crowd. The Cuban-born beauty gave a heart-felt tribute and echoed Valderrama's gratitude for everything the military does that allows her and every other American the freedom to pursue their dreams.
"This is truly a dream come true for me because I've always wanted the chance to let you know how important you are to all of us back home," she said. "You are all true examples of what our country was founded on. You are America's courage and you are America's freedom. You are the reason we get to wake up every morning and actually have a choice as to what our individual lives will be like. Please know that back home you are immensely loved and missed."
Peters came on next and shifted gears to a lighter side that provided some much-needed humor to the service members who were away from their families this holiday season. Still, in the midst of his comedic routine, he too let the crowd know the magnitude of their sacrifice is not lost on Americans.
"The USO did a great job sending out a Cuban, a Venezuelan and an Indian from Canada to celebrate Thanksgiving with you," Peters joked. "But seriously, you guys are doing an amazing job. After traveling around with Gen. Cartwright for the last week and seeing what you do, I can honestly say I don't have it in me to do your job. It's something you all have that can't be learned; you were born with it. Thank you very much and be safe out here."
The three celebrities then spent the next couple of hours signing autographs and posing for pictures with CJTF-HOA personnel. Cartwright also took the stage again, posing for photos and presenting each service member with his coins as he wished them well.
"I thought this was one of the best shows I've experienced in my military career," said Petty Officer 1st Class Nita Holliday. "The celebrities were a nice touch from home and Russell Peters is one of the funniest comedians I have ever heard. I really appreciate Gen. Cartwright taking the time to come out here. It is a good feeling to know that what we do matters to so many people in the U.S."
| Date Taken: | 11.27.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 12.01.2007 03:35 |
| Story ID: | 14329 |
| Location: | CAMP LEMONNIER, DJ |
| Web Views: | 219 |
| Downloads: | 67 |
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