Hypnotist visits 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade

Photo By Monica K. Guthrie | Professional hypnotists Chuck Milligan begins the process of hypnotizing Soldiers during a show April 9, at the Combat Aviation Brigade flight line dining facility, Baghdad.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

04.10.2008

Story by Spc. Monica K. Guthrie 

3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division

By Pfc. Monica K. Smith
3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Soldiers took following orders to a new level when they subjected themselves to the whims of a hypnotist April 9, at the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade flight line.

The show was the last of a six-show tour in Iraq for professional hypnotist Chuck Milligan.

"I'm different from a magician or comedian in that I'm just the director showcasing the Soldiers who are actually participating in the show," said Milligan, from San Diego, Calif.

Milligan began his show with 17 Soldiers, some who climbed over chairs for the opportunity to be a member of the cast. The volunteers had never been hypnotized and many had never seen a hypnotist perform.

"I've never been to (a hypnotist show) and I wanted to try it out," said Sgt. Christopher Martin, Company A, 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, 3rd CAB, 3rd Infantry Division.

Martin, from Baltimore, Md., not only attended the show but also volunteered to be placed under hypnosis. After waking, he says he remembers only brief parts of the experience.

"It comes in and out," said Martin of his memory. "But it was good. I am really relaxed. It got me away from Iraq for a little bit."

First Sgt. Del Williams, Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd CAB, 3rd Inf. Div., described the show as the "bomb-diggity" and was glad the event was held at the 3rd CAB flight line dining facility.

"The dining facility is a good venue for entertainment for Soldiers who work at the flight line," Williams said. "All of us filter through the DFAC and I know if he did a show later today or tomorrow, just from word-of-mouth it would spread, and it would be standing room only."

Milligan, a former Marine sniper, has worked as a hypnotist for 21 years, 18 of which he has performed for Soldiers.

"Started as a hobby and people like it so much I quit my job and started doing this fulltime," Milligan said. "It's taken me around the world. I've spent 17 Christmases with military families while doing a show."

Milligan has also done college tours and shows for Carnival cruise line. This was Milligan's first time performing in Iraq, which he says went very well.

"My favorite part is the laughter, the cheers, the smiles – to see them having fun, that's the best part," Milligan said. "It doesn't get better than that."

• Date Taken: 04.10.2008
• Date Posted: 04.16.2008 11:06
• Story ID: 18480
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ