| Submit your comments on this article |
| Iraq-Jordan |
| Letterman show in Iraq Christmas Eve |
| 2004-12-25 |
| CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Dec. 24, 2004) -- Although they couldn't be home for the holidays, Marines in Iraq received a timely Christmas gift when David Letterman performed a Christmas Eve edition of "The Late Show with David Letterman" here. Letterman, along with his musical director Paul Shaffer and stage manager Biff Henderson, brought the popular late night television show to the Marines, sailors and soldiers currently stationed at Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, Dec. 24, 2004. They were followed with a performance from "Off the Wall," a southern California band, which added to the holiday festivities. "How about a nice hand for Jay Leno, ladies and gentlemen," joked Letterman as he started his show. Sgt. Jeana V. Warren, a supply clerk with 1st Force Service Support Group, kicked off the show by formally introducing Letterman to the crowd. The crowd roared and hands flew in the air when he asked for a volunteer to help deliver his opening monologue. "Isn't that how you got here?" Letterman asked. With the help of cue cards held by an Army soldier, Letterman delivered his opening monologue written specifically for the troops: * "Anybody here from out of town?" * "I see many of you brought your own truck." * Regarding being in a combat zone: "I haven't seen anything like this since the last Pistons-Pacers game." * "If I wanted to face insurgents I would've spent Christmas with my relatives." * "Iraqi elections are in January. Hurry up and pick somebody so we can get the hell out of here." * "Iran is developing a nuclear bomb; good news is that they're dropping it from a camel." Letterman's guest, comedian Tom Dreesen, performed his stand-up routine, joking on everything from race relations to his time in the Marine Corps. Following a tradition he's established on "The Late Show," Letterman allowed several members of the audience to showcase their talents onstage. A choir group from Combat Service Support Group 15 sang Christmas carols, and Cpl. Wesley McNallie with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 wowed the audience with his bagpipe performance, which included The Marines' Hymn. The biggest highlights for many of the male servicemembers - Ilana, the Late Show Grinder Girl, and Anna, the Hula Hoop Girl - received a warm welcome of cheers and applause as they performed their unique acts. "Was it just the word 'women?'" Letterman said. "I kind of feel that way myself." The show closed with Paul Shaffer's rendition of "Dreaming of a White Christmas," tailored for the audience. "I'm dreaming of our armed forces...You guys are heroes built to last, You guard our freedom with honor unsurpassed, Pardon my French, but I gotta mention, you kick some serious a--!" Letterman, a staunch supporter of the Marine Corps, has repeatedly featured U.S. Marines on "The Late Show," performing running cadences while sounding off the "Top Ten List." On the Sept. 17, 2001, episode of "The Late Show," his first show after the attack on the World Trade Center, Letterman declared he had "three new heroes now. They are New York's bravest, the firefighters; New York's finest, the cops; and the United States Marine Corps because, as you know, before this thing is finished, it will be the Marine Corps that goes in and settles the score." "Paul and I were in Afghanistan three years ago, and last year we were in Baghdad. We wouldn't want it any other way," said Letterman. "We're sorry we keep having to come back. If you ever come to New York City, come see us and we'll treat you like big shots." Letterman wrapped things up around 11 a.m., giving the Marines enough time to grab something to eat and head back to the stage area to watch the "Off the Wall" perform popular hits, including Eminem's "Lose Yourself," Beyonce Knowles' "Naughty Girl" and Three Doors Down's "Here Without You." The Los Angeles band got a taste of daily life in Iraq when an explosion from a controlled detonation briefly halted the performance and sent the band members scrambling for a protective bunker. The Marines in attendance barely budged. "You guys should've told us about those things," said vocalist Karmen Whitsett. Camp Taqaddum was the first stop of the band's tour of Marine bases in Iraq. They will play for Marines throughout Iraq and plan on returning to the states after the new year.The band closed out their performance with their version of Neil Young's "Keep on Rockin' in the Free World," and thanked the crowd for their service in Iraq. "It was a privilege. The flight out was horrible and long, the accommodations were very limited and I would do it all again," said Whitsett. The Marines appreciated the band's performance. "It's really selfless of them to come out and play for us," said Sgt. Melida M. Finnegan, 28, who is assigned to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. "I'd love to go see them back in the states," said Lance Cpl. Jennifer M. Holt, 20, a Marine with 3rd MAW. The Taqaddum-based Marines, most of who have been deployed since late summer, welcomed the celebrity visits, especially during the holidays. "It was great, all of the Marines getting together having a good time," said Gunnery Sgt. Ronald Trignano, 32, a tech-controller with Communication Squadron 48. "It almost makes you forget where you are for a little while." |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #6 Good gesture by Letterman. That's all that matters. |
| Posted by: Capt America 2004-12-25 12:00:53 PM |
| #5 One of the Drill Instructors who used to work for me was on his show a couple years back doing the "top ten" things you'll never hear a Marine DI say. He was in NY for a couple days and the folks just treated him and the other Marines great. Kudos to David L. |
| Posted by: Jarhead 2004-12-25 11:20:35 AM |
| #4 Leno's been to Iraq at least once and Afghanistan twice, I think. |
| Posted by: badanov 2004-12-25 10:33:23 AM |
| #3 I agree with Barbara, when his show is shown over here, I just shudder - it's bloody awful. BUT - massive kudos to him and his team for going out and giving the guys a morale-boosting show. Good man, Mr Letterman! |
| Posted by: Tony (UK) 2004-12-25 10:22:13 AM |
| #2 There are many reasons why Letterman is much better than Leno. This is just one of them. |
| Posted by: Tibor 2004-12-25 4:21:05 AM |
| #1 Thank you, Dave Letterman, for doing this. You are a mensch. (Though I still won't watch his lame show.) |
| Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2004-12-25 1:24:26 AM |