USO Heats Up Forward Operating Base Headhunter

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.25.2004

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

By Spc. Jan Critchfield122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HEADHUNTER, Baghdad -- It could have been just another hot day for the Soldiers of Task Force 1-9, but thanks to the 1st Cavalry Division's Morale Welfare and Recreation office, it was bound to get a whole lot hotter, Aug. 13.

Visiting FOB Headhunter on the "Ambassadors of Hollywood" tour were models Tanya Ballinger and Kitana Baker, accompanied by the first title player of popular television show, "Joe Millionaire," Evan Marriott.

"I've been looking for gifts for my family," said Capt. John Dohnen of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, as he had two glossy prints of a grinning Marriott signed for his sisters.

"It's great that they came over here," Dohnen added, collecting his autographs as the next Soldier dropped his prints in front of Marriott.

"I would say they're doing a good job of improving morale.

I see a lot of smiles and happy faces running around here," said Master Sgt. Steve Overby, "I think it's a great thing these guys are doing here."

Many Soldiers of TF 1-9 were surprised by the sheer height of Marriott, apparently much bigger than he looked on TV.

Similar comments weren't made of the ladies, who expressed their concern for the troops as well as their appreciation."I'm here to support the troops and let them know I appreciate everything they do," Ballinger said. "They're very cared about and loved. I'm very happy to be able to say "hello" and 'thank you,"" After signing promotional photos for troops, the trio moved outside to take a quick tour of the base.

Posing inside, in front, and on top of a gun truck, Ballinger and Baker were photographed by the troops while Marriott stood to the side, chatting with a female Soldier.

"I support the troops being over here. I don't think [the troops would] be over here unless there was a really good reason," Marriott said.

"People like the Dixie Chicks need to be hung up by their bootstraps," he added, "If they're going to speak out and have the views that they do, somebody ought to say, "Okay, we'll pay you to go over and experience what's going on," and I think you ought to drive them right down through the city; the hottest red zone you can find, so they can see. And then take them to the medical areas, where the guys are being treated. Then see [what] their views are."

• Date Taken: 08.25.2004
• Date Posted: 08.25.2004 11:28
• Story ID: 264
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ