By Sgt Thomas L. Day
40th Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (Dec. 14, 2006) -A constellation of music artists, two Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, Fox Sports vixen Leeann Tweeden and Saturday Night Live alumnus Al Franken came through Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, today. The celebrity delegation had a busy day, meeting hundreds of Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors deployed to Kuwait, finishing their itinerary with an evening show and concert.
"After you do it one time, even if you experienced some things that aren't a normal day at the office, you get to see what the troops are doing," said country music artist Darryl Worley, who joined other country musicians Mark Wills and Keni Thomas on the tour. "There's probably some selfish reasons (for joining the tour). It's a huge personal blessing."
Franken came for the fourth time to the U.S. Central Command area of operation, which includes Iraq and Afghanistan. "I never served, so I figured this was the least I could do." Noting that he was exempt from the Vietnam draft during college, Franken joked, "the government thought I needed to finish college so I could go on to my current profession: comedian."
Capt. Robin Ochoa, on her way to Iraq with the 25th Infantry Division, didn't know anyone but the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders were a part of the tour. "Now that we know Darryl Worley is here, we'll definitely be saying hey to him," she said. "And Al Franken, that was definitely a surprise."
"The package's a morale boost," said 1st Sgt. Zeandrew Farrow. "Everyone can get something out of it." Farrow was photographed with the Cowboy cheerleaders holding a message for his brother, a "diehard Cowboy fan."
"1SG (Lewis) Asher," addressing his brother, whom is currently deployed to Tikrit. "Wish you were here."