Convoying through Baghdad is no laughing matter

Photo By Sgt. Tracy Knowles | Spc. Justin Howell, of Flint, Mich., 1434th Engineer Company, 101st Eng. Battalion, participates in some "improv" with Wendi McLendon, an actress from the hit television show Reno 911, Dec. 31. McLendon and six other comedians were part of a Stars and Stripes comedy tour.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

01.04.2010

Story by Sgt. Tracy Knowles 

16th Engineer Brigade Public Affairs

BAGHDAD — Bright lights, laughter, and a rowdy crowd— all before 9:00 am. This is the sound the 1434th Engineer Company, 101st Engineer Battalion's, Convoy Security Team makes while preparing to escort seven comedians across Baghdad on a New Year's Eve comedy tour for U.S. forces.

Today's mission provided rolling security for comedians on a Stars and Stripes comedy tour for Soldiers based in more remote areas.

Carrying civilians, like Michaela Watkins, from 'Saturday Night Live,' and David Price from CBS's 'The Early Show,' through a combat zone is a delicate operation. Identifying the routes to be taken and ensuring the civilians have the proper personal protective equipment are just some of the concerns.

"We volunteer to do this because [Soldiers] make it possible for us to have the freedom to move about the world," said Price.

All joking aside, the Soldiers are very passionate about their jobs. When the time comes for the CST to head out of the safe zone, game faces are donned and the job begins.

"Unless you go outside the wire and really see what's going on, training only goes so far, it's a different world out there," said Spc. Michael Demma, of Travers City, Mich.

Demma, a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle driver, explained that even though each Soldier has a specific job, the team cross-trains, so any Soldier can be moved into a another position, if necessary. From gunner to truck commander, every member of the team is equally important.

Escorting the comedians through Baghdad provided for some much needed laughter in the vehicles on the way to their destinations. Laughter keeps endorphins flowing and brings down stress levels. It can even act as a pain reliever and help to relax muscles.

As the old saying goes, "Laughter is the best medicine," for the Soldiers of wars past and present, a little humor goes a long way.

• Date Taken: 01.04.2010
• Date Posted: 01.04.2010 09:33
• Story ID: 43434
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ