Good Morning Baghdad!

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.22.2004

Courtesy Story

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Story by: Erin Robicheaux

BAGHDAD --"Nanu, Nanu! Good morning, Vietnam! Carpe Diem!" Today it was clear that the best one-liners of Robin Williams" career did not come from Mork and Mindy, Good Morning, Vietnam," or Dead Poets Society.

According to those who were there, his greatest words of impact came on a chilly December morning in Iraq, when the hairy comedian graced an outdoor stage and, in the presence of hundreds of American Soldiers, shouted "Goooood Morning Baghdad!"

From the word "go!" Williams was all about giving the troops a good show. As part of a United Service Organization (USO) tour, he teamed up with model Leeann Tweeden, former quarterback for the Denver Broncos, John Elway, and actor and comedian Blake Clark to give the Soldiers of Camp Liberty something to write home about.

Tweeden, co-host of The Best Damn Sports Show Period, said that ever since she was a little girl, she knew of the USO but didn't really understand what it was all about. She has always known who Bob Hope was, but never realized the impact of what he and numerous entertainers did for their country. That is, until she was given the opportunity to make armed forces personnel, like her father, smile.

Her father was in the Air Force and served in Vietnam, so she felt a personal obligation to do this when she was first approached about it three years ago. It was something that she felt strongly about and when someone asked her if she was scared she replied, "I'm not scared enough to not go and show my support."

John Elway said that it was a family decision for him to come to Iraq and show support to the troops. He knew that he wanted to be a part of this, but he had to ask his kids their thoughts on the subject. They concurred. He made the excursion with his fellow entertainers and said that he was glad to be a part of the experience.

"I'm truly proud to say that I'm an American because of you," he said to the troops.

Elway also gave recognition to the Soldiers who preceded those of Operation Iraqi Freedom III, including the veterans of the Vietnam Conflict.

"You are what America is about," he said.

Elway recalled that when he was asked to participate in a USO Tour, he wasn't sure why he was asked, but it soon became apparent.

"I can't sing, I can't dance, and I'm not pretty, but I can still chuck some footballs," he said.

And he did just that, into a crowd full of ecstatic Soldiers.

In addition to playing in various movies and a variety of roles, Blake Clark was also a platoon leader in Vietnam. This event seemed to hold a special place in his heart. Clark is a seasoned comedic actor whose most noted role was in "The Waterboy," as the lovable assistant coach with the thick southern speech impediment. He hails from Georgia, and backwoods humor crept into his routine as slick as oil on a pig's underbelly.

His comedy was graced with the reminiscent time of the Clinton Administration, the Martha Stewart trial and outcome, and the fact that we still can't catch Osama Bin Laden, even though he is a 6-foot-tall man with a kidney infection.

"All you have to do is find a camel hooked up to a dialysis machine and you've got him," said Clark.

The tour was a great success for the entertainers and a welcome morning of fun for the Soldiers based at Camp Liberty. As Robin Williams left the stage with Tweeden, Elway, and Clark, he left with this message for the armed forces: "Merrrrry Christmas, Baghdad!"

• Date Taken: 12.22.2004
• Date Posted: 12.22.2004 14:47
• Story ID: 750
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ