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Really? No, O'Reilly!

Photo By Spc. Leith Edgar | Capt. Heidi Calhoun-Lopez, attorney, operational law, Staff Judge Advocate, Division...... read more read more

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.16.2006

Courtesy Story

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Leith Edgar,
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Trigger, the mascot of the First Team, received an early Christmas present this year with the arrival of a special guest, who stopped into spread some holiday cheer Dec. 16.

Bill O'Reilly, host of "The O'Reilly Factor," visited the Soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division to wish them happy holidays and show his appreciation for their service in the Global War on Terrorism inside the division's main headquarters building here.

"We came over to say thanks to all the troops who are looking out for us and defending us. It's as simple as that. That's why we came here," O'Reilly said. "I felt that I had to come over. It's (been) very worthwhile. We really admire the work you guys are doing here."

O'Reilly, who attended the division's battle update assessment, chose the holidays to visit U.S. forces downrange because supporting his country is a holiday tradition for the acclaimed broadcaster, he said.

"Around the holidays I think people not only should turn to their families but also to their country," O'Reilly explained. "I just want to say 'Merry Christmas' to everybody and I just hope everybody here in Iraq understands how much the American people admire your service."

The author of the recently released book "Culture Warrior," signed autographs, posed for pictures and spoke with troops.

Visiting the troops in Baghdad was a priority for O'Reilly, who reported from Kuwait during the Gulf War, but had never visited Iraq until now, he said.

"I said 'Look, I'm going and if I have to pay for it, I'll pay for it myself,'" O'Reilly said. "It's what I do for a living and I have to come and see for myself."

At dinner, O'Reilly was the guest of honor at the Pegasus Dining Facility, where he shared a cheeseburger and some words with the troops.

Sgt. Brian Jones, a chaplain's assistant with the Division Special Troop Battalion, 1st Cav. Div., came to dinner unaware he would be dining with O'Reilly.

"I asked him what he thought about the situation here. He said he really understands what we're doing now, what's going on here. That gave me a little more appreciation for him, actually coming here to see what we're doing and what's going on," said Jones, who calls Little Rock, Ark., home. "I knew I was going to get a chance to meet some people over here. But never did I think it would be Bill O'Reilly. Now I can say I've eaten dinner with him."

In between bites, O'Reilly shared a real down-to-earth conversation with troops and gained even more of their respect over dinner, Jones said.

"I've always respected the man for his opinions and views. He's not afraid to voice his opinion and speak the truth. Not only does he do that, but he comes over here to support us. That right there (puts him above) most people because they can talk all they want on T.V. back home, but coming over here and seeing what we're doing – I have a lot of respect for him for doing that," Jones said.

"(The visit) really shows how much he cares for us over here and I know without a doubt he will go back home (and) share his story about his trip here, to let the people really know what's going on here and let them know about what Soldiers are doing for this country," he said. "I love serving my country and it's a great opportunity to meet people like this in the process."

After dinner, O'Reilly signed autographs and met with troops.

Pfc. Jerai Steele, administrative specialist, 209th Military Intelligence Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, said it was a real treat seeing the television personality in person.

"It was exciting. I see him on the news all the time. It was just different seeing him in person," said Steele, a native of Norfolk, Va. "It meant a lot because he came all the way out here to see us."