Holiday Cheer

begins with Robin Williams on stage.....

The holidays here were filled with plenty of entertainment for the troops. We were fortunate enough to have Robin Williams, Kix Brooks, Lance Armstrong, Kathleen Madigan, Lewis Black and Bob Dipero here! They were all great entertainers, and were enjoyed by numerous troops who were away from home this holiday season!

(in photo below: Emily West, me, and Keni Thomas)

(Above: Chondra Pierce, Comedian) (Above: musician and Keni Thomas)

(Below: Alana Grace)

(Above: Buddy Jewell, Country Singer)
(Above: Leeann Tweeden, model & MC)

We also had another show with singer Alana Grace, Keni Thomas, Emily West and Buddy Jewel; comedian Chonda Pierce; model Leeann Tweeden; and two Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Brandi and Nicole. Their performance was also great!

(Above: NE Patriot Cheerleaders)

Afterwards, I headed out on my own tour with a group of New England Patriots Cheerleaders. The group of ladies was both enjoyable to work with and they were humbled at being offered the opportunity to share the holiday with the troops. They delivered filled stockings to over 200 soldiers who were working and couldn't make it to the performances. They performed where space and time allowed and signed many, many, many autographs, gracefully posing for photographs at every turn. The weather was great and the transportation fantastic!

(Above: Cheerleaders and I awaiting transportation)

While I was away a variety show "Tops in Blue" entertained those left behind in Bagram!

When I returned the office was decorated with three different sized Christmas trees and colored lights. Of course the DFAC really did it up, they took simple styrofoam board (the stuff that comes in all of the refrigerated food boxes) and used it to create an amazing array of colorful art that was hung from ceilings and walls. They even made really cool chandeliers! It is amazing how creative they can get with such simple supplies.

I couldn't think of a more appropriate way for me to spend the holiday, if not with family, than with the troops. As some of you know, in years past I spent many a Christmas dressed as an elf (accompanied by my boss, Santa) and we delivered cheer to ships and subs on Christmas Day! This tour brought back those memorable days of past. It is wonderful how bringing joy to others can make your smile that much brighter!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! As it looks now, you all are enjoying snow!