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I had the opportunity in the month of August to go to Afghanistan on a 10 day tour of several US military bases.  It was a part of a U.S.O. Tour to bring a little sunshine to the US troops who are so far from home.

The plane trip over was long and it was very hot the entire time we were there.  From what I understand, the hottest day ended up being over 120 degrees.  We traveled light and wore body armor and helmets as we boarded the Blackhawk helicopters.

I sat next to the M-60 Machine gunner each time to watch his actions first hand as we would lift off or land.  He scanned the terrain looking in all directions with M-60 in hand.  After we landed the first time I made the comment, “I think I knew what you were doing, but I want to know for sure as to Why you were so anxious upon take off and landing?”  He simply said Taliban and RPG’s (Rocket Propelled Grenades).  Enough said.

At the two larger bases, more formal meet and greets were set up to sign autograph photo’s, shake hands, take photos and such.  At the smaller Forward Operating bases, we would be escorted around by weapon toting soldiers to meet various personnel.  The trip went by fast and sleep was a rare commodity.  We rode in C-130 aircraft, C-170 aircraft, shot a confiscated AK-47 Russian Machine gun, saw a demonstration on what an RPG can do, play in an M-1 and M-16 shooting simulator, tried to fly a Blackhawk helicopter simulator.  That was the cool stuff.   

Sitting in the mess halls eating and talking to the soldiers, playing ping pong, watching a movie, shooting a game of pool with them was just as great.  I read my poem “The Match Promise” on a number of occasions and the soldiers appreciated it.  One soldier told me that he and his grandpa use to watch me fight in the octagon.  His grandpa is gone now, but the memories are still there.  One soldier called me a veteran.  I told him I had never been in the military.  He said that because I was there and I risked my life to go to the various bases.

Seeing our soldiers paving roads, building schools, and operating in hospitals give me a strong since of pride.  None more then being asked if I wanted to be awaken for the “Fallen soldier.”  At 3:30am, all of the soldiers in combat gear and weapon shouldered lined the paved street from the hospital to the airbase only a couple blocks long.  It was dark and quiet as the vehicle approached.   I asked the SGT who brought me “what am I to do?”  He told me to step up so that my feet were on the pavement and cover my heart with my hand.   I watched as I saw soldier after soldier snap to attention and salute as the vehicle passed and I stood ridged and put my hand over my heart as it passed me.  After the vehicle passed each soldier, and he paid his respect, they gently walked back to where they were from. 

States. This trip brought that point home greater than any other.  I think every American should take a trip to a 3^rd world country just To see how well we have it.  It might make you want to step up and speak out against some of the problems that we do have here in the US and make our representatives, our politicians, our leaders accountable for their actions so that our country can continue to be the best place in the world to live!