Photo By Spc. Cal Turner | Sgt. Daniel Lewis, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st...... read more read more
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By Spc. Ryan Stroud
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
BAQUBAH, Iraq -- Chuck Norris quotes have traveled all over the internet, radio stations and television, lifting the spirits of many people and making them laugh. But the 3rd "Grey Wolf" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division has taken the quotes to a new level, posting quotes on bulletin boards, hanging them on the work station walls and other areas of operation, all to boost morale of the Soldiers partaking in Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08.
Though the fad started in the U.S., two Soldiers from Grey Wolf brought the fun spirit of Chuck Norris quotes to Iraq. Chuck Norris quotes quickly spread throughout the Diyala region, giving the Soldiers something to laugh about in a sometimes dismal situation.
Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Adkinson, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, and Sgt. Daniel Lewis, HHT, 3rd BCT, are considered to be the ringleaders of the "Chuck Norris Movement in Iraq." These two Soldiers have made it their personal mission to get the quotes out to the Soldiers and to bring joy to their lives.
"The whole thing about Chuck Norris is he is a legend and a hero," said Adkinson. "We idolize him here at [Forward Operating Base] Normandy, probably more than any other FOB."
"Chuck is a legend and the American people need a legend to look up to. Other than the American Soldier, who better than Chuck Norris?" added the Sacramento, Calif. native.
"He is the icon for invincibility," said Lewis. "I try to boost morale for Soldiers everyday. I'll do anything to help a Soldier out. If Chuck quotes can get it done, that's what I'll do."
Both Lewis and Adkinson started "spreading the work of Chuck" in different ways -- Lewis posted the "Chuck Quote of the Day" on his office's bulletin board while Adkinson would print out photos of Chuck to give to Soldiers.
Even meetings would, at times, start off with a Chuck quote to lighten the mood.
"We started doing Chuck Norris quotes on our board, and everyday Soldiers would come into [work] and get a good laugh at it," said Lewis, a native of Salt Lake City. "It helps you forget about being away from your families and being in combat."
"The 'Chuck Norris Quotes' do boost morale here on the FOB," added Adkinson. "Chuck remains in our minds at all times."
And keeping morale up is something these Soldiers don't take lightly.
"Chuck has managed to keep us in high spirits and I think that one of the reasons people like the 'Chuck Quotes' so much," he said.
"I think he's a humble guy," added Lewis. "He doesn't think he's better than you or me. I think he would be happy that Soldier morale is staying up because of quotes about him."
Norris, who was in the U.S. Air Force, is a famous actor who appeared in movies and television. He also is an accomplished martial artist, helping him land many of his roles in entertainment. His previous time spent in the military gives him even more respect from the Soldiers who spread the quotes, said Lewis.
"We do respect Chuck even more because he was a warrior like us and has even come to Iraq to visit with Soldiers," he said. "I think that adds more fun and honor to the quotes."
"As a young boy, I grew up aspiring to be like Chuck Norris," Adkinson said. "Through joining the military and defending our country, I think I have been able to do the best I can at [being like him]."
Though both Soldiers have read and posted many of the quotes, they feel some of these are the best to gain a laugh.
"If Chuck Norris is running late, time better slow down," said Adkinson.
"While children check under their bed for the Boogie Man, the Boogie Man checks under his bed for Chuck Norris," Lewis added.
"Chuck Norris has actually been dead for ten years now but the Grim Reaper was just too scared to tell him," said Adkinson.
Adkinson and Lewis also said they wanted to set the record strait about the "Chuck Norris – Bruce Lee Battle" in "Enter the Dragon."
"My favorite Chuck movie would be 'Enter the Dragon,' even though it is a falsity," said Adkinson. "Everyone knows, in real life, Chuck would dominate Bruce Lee."
"From what I understand, Chuck Norris let Bruce Lee win because it was a movie," added Lewis. "Chuck was just helping a friend out."
Chuck Norris is a legend in the eyes of many Soldiers from surrounding FOBs because of the presence he has been given. Lewis and Adkinson hope Soldiers take his positive examples and the quotes to heart.
"Everywhere I go I try to make my presence legendary," said Lewis. "I think all Soldiers should. Chuck Norris quotes are a positive example of making yourself legendary."
"I just hope Chuck Norris quotes will continue to boost morale a put more smiles on the faces of the Soldiers," said Adkinson. "He's a positive role model for Soldiers to lookup to."
| Date Taken: | 01.30.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 01.30.2007 10:17 |
| Story ID: | 8998 |
| Location: | BAQUBAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 198 |
| Downloads: | 59 |
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