Okay, seriously? Do we have to go there, Washington Times? We’re already nervous enough.
USO adapts to changing needs of troops
It’s high-tech for trenches
By Jillian Badanes (Contact) | Thursday, May 21, 2009
As the battlefield has been transformed by 21st-century warfare, so has the USO. An organization that once offered only camp shows and movies is now air-dropping entire electronic entertainment centers in trailers – complete with televisions, laptops and video games – to the most remote areas of Iraq and Afghanistan.
…
Mr. Gibson said the USO targets specific musicians and actors based on troops’ interests, but tries to recruit a wide variety of entertainers. Country singer Toby Keith recently returned from a 10-day tour of Afghanistan. Troops in Kuwait and Iraq met stars from the NFL after the Super Bowl, and actress Scarlett Johansson and tennis star Anna Kournikova have greeted troops in Kuwait and Europe.
Late-night TV host Craig Ferguson and the host of Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report,” Stephen Colbert, are scheduled to visit the Persian Gulf this summer. Mr. Gibson said Mr. Colbert would be broadcasting his TV show from the field.
The celebrities may endure long hours, sleepless nights and rough accommodations – not the five-star treatment they are accustomed to receiving. Last year, during a Toby Keith performance in Afghanistan, the camp came under mortar fire, Mr. Gibson said.
Mortar fire?! Holy crap! Stay safe, Team Colbert!
Oh my dear Lord. Are they looking to give us all coronaries?!
Gah…now my stomach hurts. This is just what I was afraid of.
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Just when I had convinced myself that everything was going to be fine…they wouldn’t bring a whole crew out there if they didn’t feel safe- but I guess you can’t predict the acts of militants! *sarcastic clap* Bravo Washington Times! *end clap*
Yikes! No wonder they want to keep the dates secret! Now I don’t want to solve the puzzle!
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Yikes! Please, please be careful out there!
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I had trouble accessing the entire article so maybe they mentioned it there, but if it’s any comfort I don’t recall a celebrity ever being injured or killed in a war zone.
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I’m so terrified for him. Stephen does so much, helps so many, yet he puts himself in danger all the time, even by insulting important people. This will be either wonderful or crazy.
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Remember, there are several Persian Gulf countries where US troops are stationed. Stephen could be going to any one of them. The only one of those countries that is unstable right now is Iraq. So, if that’s where Stephen is going, then worry. But, even so, as ColbertGirl27 mentioned, I don’t recall celebrities being injured or killed in a war zone either.
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Actually, we blogged about where he’d be here (SPOILER AT LINK).
While I’m under no illusions about the relative safety (or not) of certain regions where our troops are deployed, I do feel comforted by the knowledge that everyone who can be looking out for Stephen and his crew will certainly be doing so.
Safe travels, everyone!
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Letterman said “Iraq” when Colbert said “Persian Gulf” he may have let the cat out of the bag.
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It was already out of the bag.
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Yes but not on network TV. Yikes.
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