HAHAH! Love the title! Here’s the official scoop from Comedy Central:
Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando (Click for high-res version)
“OPERATION IRAQI STEPHEN: GOING COMMANDO”
AIRING MONDAY, JUNE 8 THROUGH
THURSDAY, JUNE 11 AT 11:30 P.M. ET/PT
NEW YORK, June 5, 2009 — It’s go time Nation! “The Colbert Report” has deployed to Iraq on a USO tour entitled “Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando” and will tape and perform shows in front of the troops. “The Colbert Report” is the first TV show in USO history to produce a week of shows in a combat zone. “Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando” will air on COMEDY CENTRAL Monday, June 8 through Thursday, June 11 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT. In addition, Colbert will post updates from base on Twitter at http://twitter.com/stephenathome.
“The USO counts this as military service, right? I might want to run for office some day,” Colbert said.
This trip marks the second time the show has broadcast from a remote location. “The Colbert Report” had previously traveled to Philadelphia in April 2008 to cover the all-important Pennsylvania Democratic Primary. “Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando” is taking place at an undisclosed military base in conjunction with the USO, with all shows taped in front of an audience of troops. The week will feature many segments including Colbert putting together USO care packages for the troops and “shout outs” from notable figures in society.
Guests who will appear on the show include: Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Barham Salih; Gen. Ray Odierno, commanding general, Multi National Force- Iraq; Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby, Jr., commanding general, Multi National Corps- Iraq; Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Grippe, command sergeant major, Multi National Corps- Iraq; Sgt. Robin Balcom, squad leader, 463rd Military Police Company; and Spc. Tareq Salha, Arabic linguist, 111th Military Intelligence Brigade (attached to 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment).
Proceeds from sales of “The Colbert Report” on iTunes during the week of June 8 will benefit the USO.
The USO is a private, nonprofit organization that lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families. In times of peace and war, the USO consistently delivers its special brand of entertainment and comfort to service men and women around the world. USO entertainment tours are essential to fulfilling the USO’s mission of boosting troop morale. In 2008, celebrity volunteers traveled to 27 countries and 23 states, entertaining more than 236,000 troops and family members.
Nice! :)
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Lol. Nice title, guys. XP
Thanks for posting the official Comedy Central release here!
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I’m thrilled that Stephen has arranged for the USO to benefit from iTunes sales of his shows from next week (and that Comedy Central is so clearly on board with this arrangement). Way to go, Stephen and crew, and here’s looking to some hugely successful shows.
I’m really interested in hearing what Gen. Odierno has to say. I remember not having a high opinion of him after reading Thomas Ricks’ Fiasco, but when I read The Gamble, it sounded like he had completely readjusted his approach to the war (from the brash, “kick-in-the-door” approach to a more nuanced counterinsurgency approach). That Gen. Odierno solicited the openly anti-war Emma Sky to be his advisor when he went to Iraq for his second tour fascinates me, and I hope he gets the opportunity to explain the change in his outlook and tactics. That sort of flexibility seems to me an important and valuable trait, but it’s not one we often associate with military leaders (perhaps unfairly). Anyhow, I’m really interested seeing him interviewed.
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Hahahaaa! Love the title of this mission…
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I guess now it’s OK to comment (lol!)…Wow! All the very best TCR Team! Make ur Nation proud…
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I’m SOOO excited about these shows and very proud of team Colbert for doing them! I was thrilled to read the USO would receive proceeds from iTunes sales of the Iraq shows. I will definitely buy them.
Best wishes for successful shows and safe travels to Stephen and staff.
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Got a major wedgie goin’ there…ouch!…and is that a collar…? lol
I can’t wait for the action to begin. And awaaaaaay we go!
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