Burn Notice stars visits Manchus

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Luisito Brooks | Jeffrey Donovan (left) and Bruce Campbell joined Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, for lunch Nov. 10 at Joint Security Station Nasir Wa Salam, Iraq.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

11.12.2009

Story by Spc. Luisito Brooks 

4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

BAGHDAD — Stars from the USA Network's spy drama "Burn Notice" visited Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division on Nov. 12, at Joint Security Station Nasir Wa Salam, on the outskirts of western Baghdad.

Stars Jeffrey Donovan and Bruce Campbell are touring to support the troops deployed to Iraq and to their promote the show "Burn Notice", in which Donovan plays a spy who was "burned" by rivals and left stranded to work as a private investigator in Miami.

"I heard that the show was pretty good, so I can't wait to see it for myself," said Pfc. Daniel Lee, a Cincinnati native.

For Spc. Peter Jank, from Burbank, Ill., the visit was especially exciting as the two actors stepped in to hold the U.S. flag during his reenlistment ceremony.

"I requested that just Lt. Col. Mark Beiger conduct the ceremony, but when I heard that Bruce Campbell and Jeffrey Donavan were going to be there, I wanted them to be a part of the ceremony, so I was glad they were both there to hold my flag," said Jank.

The stars also got a taste of the military dining experience, partaking in a meal with Manchu Soldiers at the base's dining facility.

"The food here is very good and it fills you right up," said Campbell, best known for his role as the chainsaw wielding character Ash in the "Evil Dead" films as well as numerous cameos in the "Spiderman" movies.

However, before the cast members were even able to finish their meals, Soldiers had already begun lining up in anticipation to meet them.

Many of the more devoted fans brought cameras, DVD's and pictures to be signed, with one Soldier, Spc. Andrew Neumann, even carrying a hand-drawn a picture of Campbell as Ash.

"I have seen every single one of his movies," said Neumann, a Bemidji, Minn., native.

The cast members stayed several hours visiting with Soldiers before leaving to continue on to their tour before finishing up the day at Camp Liberty, Iraq.

They left smiles on the faces of many Soldiers, creating lasting memories for those they met deployed in a combat zone.

"I just want thank you guys for all the hard work you do, and as you guys say, 'KEEP UP THE FIRE!'" yelled Campbell.

• Date Taken: 11.12.2009
• Date Posted: 11.14.2009 12:24
• Story ID: 41595
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ