Sports Byline USA Insight
Time to Deploy Again
I grew up in a military family, so “packin up and movin out” isn’t anything new to me. Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott, who also came from a military family background, and I once talked about how military kids seemed to be more flexible and better able to deal with life’s ups and downs. Hearing, “Dad has new orders and we’re moving” was just a natural part of both our growing up years. So, my return to Iraq, on the heels of having just been there, is not upsetting or unsettling. To me, it’s appealing, satisfying and eagerly anticipated.
To the average person that might sound strange and like I have a screw loose, especially going to a place that is still dangerous, unstable and unpredictable. But, I’m a true Aquarian and my previous visits to Iraq and Afghanistan have been life altering and motivating. I’ve told the story many times on Sports Byline and in speeches about my last day of broadcasting on my first trip to Iraq. We were in Mosul with the 125th Stryker Brigade, out of Fort Lewis. It was August and the temperature was an unbearable 132 degrees. We were under a protective canopy with soldiers all around us listening to the show. For the week, we had had the biggest names in sports as our on air guests and each hour of the show I had one or two servicemen co-host. Watching them talk with Bill Belichick, Tony LaRussa, Steve Young, Pete Carroll, Bobby Knight and others brought me a sense of satisfaction that still makes me smile each time I think about it. The most touching moment though came after the last hour of our broadcast. Soldiers from a returning Stryker patrol came by the last hour of our broadcasts, grabbed bottles of water and laid on the ground and listened to the show. After we said our last on air goodbye, a 19 year old private, who was dirty, wet and tired from being on that Stryker patrol, came up to me and said, “Mr. Barr, thank you.” I said, “Thank you for what?” With fatigue in his eyes and sweat on his face, he said, “Thank you for making me feel this week like I was back home.” Those words will always make my efforts and desires to return to Iraq and Afghanistan an easy choice.
Now, as I think about returning again, it brings backs many memories and experiences from my previous trips. The 90 pound female mechanic in the motor pool I found lying on a bed of rocks working on a humvee in 130 degree heat. It was her second Iraq tour. The conflicting sounds of combat and peace as I heard gunfire and grenade explosions during one part of the day, and the melodious, serene sound of the Muslim call to prayer during another. My impression that if I hadn’t known where I was, I would have thought I was on a college campus with all the young men and women. The only difference being, they all were carrying guns. My talk in Afghanistan with a 20-year, veteran, combat hardened special forces sergeant who wistfully and sadly told me he had been married for 18 years, but had probably only seen his wife and family for 4 of those 18 years. And, I always think of the 24-year old Iraqi interpreter I met, who was working with the U.S. military and was living next to our sleeping quarters because he’d be killed if he went home. Before the war he was a lawyer. He’d cook his favorite local dishes on a hibachi and we’d eat and talk into the late night and early morning hours about his family, life in Iraq and his dreams for himself and his country. As I get ready to go back, those and many other indelible memories come to mind again. No, for me, this is an easy decision and a trip I look forward to making again.
The Magnificent Five
I'm a movie buff and some of my favorites are westerns. Two in particular, "3:10 to Yuma" and "The Magnificent Seven" apply to the first leg of my trip. I get to San Francisco International 90 minutes before my flight to Washington Dulles to make my non-stop flight to Kuwait. Well, the United "11:10 to Washington" turned into the "1:30 to Washington." This is not good since landing in Washington will be about 10 minutes before my flight to Kuwait takes off. Missing this flight begins a series of problems I don't need. So, I swing into action. Being a pilot I always anticipate and look for alternatives. However, nothing looks good. Connecting flights through Germany and other European gateways are not available. It looks like I'm rolling the dice and hoping we get favorable tailwinds.
Waiting for our delayed flight to come in, I notice the Captain of my flight getting some late weather information. I ask him if there's any chance he can get me there in time to make my "only flight to Kuwait" connection. I tell him my situation, who I'm meeting and what we're going to do in Iraq. We talk some flying, and then he says, "I'll get you there in time." He tells the ground crew, "I want this plane turned around in 30 minutes and I want everyone loaded at the same time." I smile knowing he's trying to save time and get us on our way to Washington. Everyone hustles and we get off the ground at 1:50 pm. Flying time is 4 hours and thirty-six minutes and that means if nothing happens we should hit the gate fifteen minutes before the Kuwait flight leaves. I notice during the flight that he climbs to a higher altitude. I smile knowing he was looking for more favorable tailwinds hoping to pickup some additional time.
We make our final approach to Dulles, I check my watch, and I smile. He knocked 10 minutes off his flying time. We hit our gate at 9:25 pm. I'm the first off the plane and a United representative says, "Mr. Barr, you're leaving for Kuwait from gate C-8, about 4 minutes away." I stroll on my Kuwait flight looking cool and with no sweat. It was no sweat because of a professional, thoughtful United Captain who made sure my mission wouldn't be get started with a problem. He gets my deep appreciation.
In the "Magnificent Seven" a group of gunslinging cowboys come together to save a town from the bad guys. My "Magnificent Five" isn't that dramatic, but they are special. Randy Cross, winner of three Super Bowl Championships with the 49ers and now a game analyst with CBS. Spencer Tillman, also a Super Bowl winner with the 49ers and now the studio host for CBS Sports' College Football. Brian Billick, former Super Bowl winning Baltimore Ravens coach. Jon Bullock (JB), producer and the real brains of the Magnificent Five. And, myself. Fill in any description you want. We're locked and loaded and ready to do our thing for the troops. And, thank God we're all on the same flight doing it.
Washington to Kuwait is a 12 hour long flight. Sleep is hard to come by, but boredom can make anyone doze off. Spencer Tillman is sitting by a Major General who is headed to Afghanistan and they hit it off immediately. J.B. is looking hopefully sitting with someone who leaves him alone so he can sleep. Randy has no one sitting next to him and is thrilled by that. I'm sitting with Brian Billick and we get a chance to catch up on things. One of our common threads is the late Bill Walsh. Bill was Brian's friend and coaching mentor. Bill and I shared a 30-year friendship. We shared our favorite Walsh stories, talked about what made him so great, and reflected on his absence in our and so many other people's lives. Also, I got a chance to ask him, "what happened in Baltimore?" The answer is a reflection of life in professional sports. But, a soothing reminder for Billick is that he was fired after only his first year of a 4-year 24 million deal. You do the math and you can see why Billick is looking forward, not in the past. Lucky for me because if he hadn't been fired, he wouldn't have been free to join us on this trip.
Twelve hours later we touch down half way around the world in Kuwait City. It was a typical overcast, sand and dust obscured day in Kuwait. We made it and the Magnificent Five is ready to bring some fun and smiles to our troops. This is why we're here.
Kuwait Layover
Our entry into the Middle East comes in Kuwait. Kuwait of course was the focal point of our first war against Iraq in the early 90's. Today, Kuwait is a prosperous, America loving country. Kuwait City is a reflection of that prosperity and full blooded Kuwaitis today are driving expensive cars and doing little work. Oil is the source of that prosperity and Kuwait sits on 10% of the world's oil supply. By their estimations, at the current rate of world usage, Kuwait's oil supply will last another 150 years.
It's fun watching Kuwait first timers Spencer Tillman, Randy Cross and Brian Billick see and learn about a life and a world unique and different from theirs. I can see them soaking it up. Full blooded Kuwaitis are privileged. Most of the work in Kuwait is done by others-Pakistanis, Indians, and other Arabs. The power and privileges in this part of the world belong to the men. The Kuwait government shares its oil wealth by giving Kuwaiti men loans to start businesses and every family receives a reported stipend of $100,000 for each child born. It's a fascinating human dynamic which creates both wonderment and disbelief.
Earlier, I referred to Kuwait as "America loving." Let me explain further. They understand and appreciate what America did in liberating their country in America's first Iraq war in the 90's. There seems to be no anger or resentment that we have a large American military presence in their country. They understand you have to give up something in order to get something. And, having a country to still call their own and a comfortable lifestyle is well worth giving up some their sand for America's military needs. Kuwait also put "its money where its mouth is" when they showed their appreciation by giving 500 million dollars to the hurricane Katrina relief effort.
For me, the only difference between my first Kuwait visit and my second is the temperature. When I was here the first time it was August and 130 degrees. This time it's February and it's in the 50's. But, one thing remains the same, Kuwait is still barren and the wind and sand is always blowing.
Star Power
For our overnight in Kuwait we're staying at Camp Arifjan, a 30 minute drive from the airport and Kuwait City. We arrive around 8pm and checked into our VIP dorm style rooms. There's really nothing VIP about the accommodations, which is fine. The best part is the rooms are in a dorm setting and our fellow "dorm livers" are today's young, Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine servicemen and women. Randy, Spencer and Brian all experience what I did the first time I was in this environment with these soldiers. They thought they were on a college campus. But they quickly realize, as I did, all these students are carrying guns and know how to use them.
It didn't take long for the soldiers to start to turn their heads and to stare at our group as they recognized Brian, Randy and Spencer. The reaction was generally, "Hey isn't that Brian Billick the Ravens coach?" Or, "What are those guys doing over here?" It finally gave way to the soldiers coming up and saying hi or coming over to talk football. Brian, Randy and Spencer didn't hesitate to shake hands, sign autographs and take pictures. It was the first of what I was sure was going to be many more experiences like that. The stars had arrived, even though we felt they were the real stars and we were here to say "thank you."
I'm jumping ahead to share an experience that was repeated many times during the trip and was special and unique. Between Randy, Brian and Spencer they've won 5 Super Bowls and have the rings to prove it. For no particular reason, Spencer Tillman is the only one of the three to wear his Super Bowl ring. Every time I've been with Spencer he's never failed to let fans hold and try on his ring. I'm always amazed he does this and once I asked him if he was ever fearful someone might take off with it? With a smile he responded, "I never let anyone wear it I can't out run or catch." Throughout our visit he let soldiers hold, wear and photograph themselves with his Super Bowl ring. It added to the joy the soldiers had in meeting us and the look on their faces, when they held and wore the ring, brought Spencer an even greater joy.
Next Stop Baghdad
Everyone was looking forward to catching our C-130 flight into Baghdad. I had some hesitations because I wasn't sure how much freedom we would have to move around and see what we wanted to see and meet the troops we wanted to meet. I admit part of the concern was the somewhat bad experience I had in Afghanistan with the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) people who hindered us there. Also, my first time to Iraq for the troops was perfect because the trip came through an invitation from Col. Bob Brown, the Brigade Commander of the 125th Stryker Brigade. Because he was the Commander, everything was handled perfectly, our broadcasts went off without a hitch and I got involved with the troops, their combat activities and the Iraqi people. That's the way I like it, but I wasn't sure what I'd get this time.
Flying out of Kuwait I again got a chance to spend time in the cockpit of our C-130, and ironically it is an Arkansas Air Force based crew that was flying us. While not the same pilots, it was the same crew I flew with on my first Iraq trip. Being a pilot, it's always a pleasure to fly with outstanding pilots and share flying war stories. They also enjoyed having Brian, Spencer and Randy up on the flight deck. After landing in Baghdad, we were honored to have our picture taken with the crew. And, I was further honored by the Wing Commander who gave me his officer's medallion in a handshake.
Flying into Baghdad was challenging in that the crew had to use what they call a "landing diversion technique." Basically they had to use turns and other techniques to avoid hostile fire. On approach into Baghdad they have to be aware of ground to air missiles and gunfire. The Air Force is proud that not one fixed wing aircraft has been lost in Iraq. That's a testament to the skill and talent of the men and women flying in that combat zone.
Safely on the ground, our MWR officer got us settled into our VIP quarters at Camp Victory. They were located at the Al Faw Palace which is a major command post for the U.S. military in Baghdad. From the air, on approach to Baghdad, I saw the Palace and several other Saddam palaces. They were surrounded by water and were gigantic. I found out later that water represents power in the Iraqi culture and Saddam wanted his people to know that he had the water and the power.
Our first night "in town" we had our first "meet and greet." These are what they sound like. This "meet and greet" was with an Air Force command. We had a full house and I decided it might be interesting for me to host a discussion about football, winning, teamwork and leadership and then have the soldiers ask questions. My instincts were right on, it was a home run. I could tell the soldiers were locked in on every word being said. Their questions were very good and they were hungry for everything we gave them, and more. When it was over, 90 minutes later, we all stayed and had pictures taken and signed autographs. We kept hearing "thank you" and "thank you for coming." The squadron commander saddled up to me and said," I came here thinking I was going to hear talk about football, what I heard was talk about leadership, thank you." Our meet and greet, and those kind words, made the end of our first day satisfying, and left me looking forward to our second.
Sports Byline Starts With a Bang
Our five man VIP sleeping quarters was in a trailer on the Al Faw Palace grounds next to the water. We spent the day doing more meet and greets and accepting more "thank yous" for coming. After awhile you just give up and simply say "thank you."
My concern was being able to get a satellite signal half way around the world to San Francisco for the first of three broadcasts of Sports Byline USA. I won't bore you with how big this challenge is, but we were working with the best and brightest in the military in broadcast technology. I was also very pleased to see we would be working out of a new, large studio at the Al Faw Palace. It was opened in November for General Petriaus. The Sports Byline show setup went well, a large audience of soldiers were on hand and we had a great opening night of sports stars for the soldiers to hear and talk with. Ed, DeBartolo, Chris Berman, Tiki Barber and Pete Carroll were set to join us.
I was opening the show with Randy and Spencer, former 49ers, and their owner Ed DeBartolo Jr. I was jacked when the show's opening music ran. Then I said, "Across the country and around the world, we've got you on America's sports talk show, Sports Byline, and welcome to our first show from Baghdad, Iraq and the Al Faw Palace." As I was saying that, the first of five loud explosions took place. The first one surprised me, but I continued with my opening comments. After the second and third explosions, I knew we were under a rocket attack, but I kept going with my opening comments. Being a pilot I've been trained to multi-task, and so while I was talking I was looking to see if any of the studio soldiers or military broadcast personnel were diving for the floor, as we had been told to do under such a circumstance, or looking to see if they were "getting the hell out of dodge" and heading to a bunker. Doing neither, I kept going, but you do wonder whether the next explosion(s) are going to be in the middle of your studio. You could hear the whistling sound of the incoming rocket fire and they were getting closer and closer. It finally ended as we went into our first commercial break. Everyone was surprised and I even surprised myself a bit by how calm and focused I stayed during the attack. I like to think that comes from my years of experience, focus and my piloting background. It was a hell of a way to kickoff our Iraq broadcasts. The rest of the show went flawlessly and was a hit with the troops.
The reality is that we are in a war zone, and while it had been some time since Camp Victory had had a large and sustained rocket attack, it was a vivid reminder to everyone that we are in a dangerous place and that the soldiers face these dangers everyday. The bottom line was, five of the missiles landed just beside out sleeping quarters and the attack killed five people and injured eleven others. Timing is everything and had we been at our sleeping quarters, there's a good chance we could have been hurt or killed.
Not to make light of the incident, but there were some interesting stories to come out of the attack. A band, In Soul, was also staying where were. The lead singer, a talented 25 year old woman who had never been out of the United States before, was sitting on the toilet when several of the rockets hit in the water behind the ladies latrine. I asked her what her reaction was and she said, "It scared the s**t out of me." I can see that. A male member of the band was taking a shower at the time of the attack and he immediately ran out of the shower, with nothing on but a panicked look on his face, and in search of a protective bunker. A group of soldiers who had been on patrol watched the first rockets fly over their heads and land right behind them, and made a wild dash for their armor protected humvees. One soldier said that the humvee holds four, but we had six in it. Randy Cross said, "It looked like a clown car." In the face of war and death, a sense of humor is important, and at times even necessary.
Day two in Iraq is certainly not one any of us will forget.
Life Goes On
Jarred into reality by the previous day’s rocket attack, casualties and injuries, we continue our Iraq visit with a better understanding of what life here is like, and the real life daily dangers the soldiers and Iraqi citizens face.
I was touched by a conversation I had with a company of combat patrol soldiers. On this trip these guys were the only connection I had to the combat side of Iraq. Baghdad and Camp Victory is more the command and logistical side of the Iraq war. It’s the heart and brains of this military theater, compared to other places like Mosul, Tikrit, Balad and elsewhere. Their identity is more combat. These patrol guys were the point of the combat spear. Like most of the combat soldiers I’ve met, they were young, clean cut, committed and a cross section of America. Hometowns were in Iowa, Florida, Texas, Vermont and Oregon. We talked before and after their recon missions. What touched me was their commitment and lack of hesitation about what they were doing. As one soldier said to me, “We’re here to do a job and it’s a job we’re all 100% committed to doing. This is the life we chose.” It’s a sentiment I’ve heard time and time again on every trip to Iraq. There may be debate in the United States about why we’re here, but there’s no time or desire for such a discussion among these men and women serving here.
The thing that has most impressed Randy, Brian and Spencer is the attitude of those serving here. In any group you’d expect to hear some complaining and general grousing. I’ve never heard it on any of my assignments here and that was the case again this time. Any organization or business would be envious of this kind of work place environment. We finally got the answer to why that is. A three-star general we met at breakfast one day told us the reason was because it was a totally volunteer army. Those who signed up wanted to be in the army and they were focused, well disciplined individuals. Later, as I thought about it, the general was absolutely right. Every soldier-combat, command or logistical-we met was military. They were “yes sir, no sir,” professional in appearance, positive and had a “whatever it takes to get the job done” attitude. It was impressive, and for two NFL players and a Super bowl winning coach, it was something not lost on men who know what it takes to be winners.
The Guy Really Had an Ego
We spent a half a day touring some of Saddam Hussein’s palaces. I saw several of them from the cockpit of the C-130 as we were approaching Baghdad. The ones I saw from the air were huge and were surrounded by water. As I mentioned earlier, water in the Iraqi culture represents power. Baghdad is dead flat, except for two hills. And, those hills were created from the dirt dug out in order to make the bodies of water around Hussein’s palaces. Aside from the Al Faw Palace where we stayed and broadcast from, and now is the U.S. Command Headquarters, we saw three other palaces. One palace was called Victory over Iran, to commemorate what Hussein considers to be an Iraqi victory in the war with Iran. That claim is highly debatable. The other two palaces are memorable and laughable. The Victory over America Palace was unfinished when we invaded in 2003. Today, it’s not only unfinished, but it’s also damaged from U.S. bombs. The enormity of the VOA Palace is mind boggling. As we walked through it, I couldn’t help but think of how much money was spent building it. Money that could have gone to helping his people. He built it to satisfy his ego and impress the Iraqi people of his power. When the U.S. invaded Iraq, the palace was three-fourths completed. It had a ballroom that was the length of a football field, with windowed rooms overlooking the ballroom. On the grounds he also had a smaller housing palace where he kept his women. In fact, practically everyone of his nearly 70 palaces across the country had places to house Saddam and his son’s harem. I asked our military tour guide, “How many women does one guy need and how in the hell did he satisfy all or any of them?” There was no answer. Another note, the staff at all of his palaces were required to prepare a meal for him each day in case that palace was where he came to eat that night. Seventy dinners to pick and choose from.
From a balcony high in the VOA Palace and overlooking the lake surrounding the palace, we saw a weird looking building. I say weird because it didn’t look like any of his other palaces, and certainly not as big. It looked like a kiddie palace, and it was. We were told that was the “Flintstone Palace.” I’m not making this up. Saddam built the palace for kids to live in and it was built after the Flinstones home. So, picture Fred and Wilma’s place and you know what I’m talking about. Here’s the kicker, Saddam was a big fan of the Flintstones and it was the ONLY American television program he allowed the Iraqi people to watch. Maybe trying to service all his women made him wacky.
A building, a third of the way into the lake surrounding the VOA Palace housed Hussein’s Baath political party. The building was a major attack point when the invasion of Iraq began. The building is as it was after the attacks. As we walked around inside, we saw the swimming pool where Saddam had his enemies and those he disliked murdered. In another part of the building I stood in a room of total destruction and rubble. The room was a conference room that was holding a meeting of the top Baath Party power players when it was struck by several JDAMs or smart bombs. The story is, the U.S. had told Saddam that they would invade within 48 hours. The Baath party members were meeting to discuss what to do when the U.S. decided not to wait 48 hours and bombed the place. The ultimate gotcha. There were no bodies to be recovered. The bombs were so destructive that all in the room were obliterated. I stood in the midst of the death and destruction and reflected on how those in this room were living one moment, and the next, their lives and souls ceased to exist.
A Black John Wayne
The Al Faw Palace, another of Hussein’s palaces, is now a U.S. Command headquarters. Like his other palaces, it’s opulent on the surface, but that covers shoddy construction under the surface. Like Hussein, that opulence was mostly for show. One of the highest-ranking commanding officers in Iraq is Lt. General Austin. An African American and a West Pointer, his imposing stature grabs your attention immediately. As a courtesy, he granted us a scheduled 10-minute meeting. Gracious, in that he turned down two other requests for meetings and we were the only ones to see him. I'm sure it had something to do with his being a sports fan and the stature of Brian, Randy and Spencer. Our 10-minute meeting turned into a 30-minute meeting. Brian Billick, who stands 6-4, got the General’s attention immediately when we entered his office, and he told Brian what he had heard many times since arriving in Iraq, “You’re bigger in person then you are on television.” Brian’s response was, “You’re big enough that I would have recruited you to play tight end for us." However, the General played real man’s football at West Point, rugby.
There was a natural comfort among us. Stilted introductions gave way to easy banter and then questions and answers. General Austin had a unique perspective about the war and the current state of the country. In 2003, he had been part of the invading force, and now he was back trying to put Iraq back together again. One of the nice things about being in Iraq with no agenda except entertaining the troops and talking sports was an openness and willingness to talk candidly and directly with us. We weren’t the media per se and certainly not a political or Congressional group. With that in mind, General Austin seemed sincere in saying that he believed that within 10 years Iraq will be a great success story. He said he based that belief on the fact that Iraq had an infrastructure, educational and financial institutions, and a financial resource (oil) that would allow it to prosper once agitating elements are removed and controlled. From conversations I’ve had with Iraqis, and others, and using that criteria for his evaluation, I agree with him. Before we left his office, General Austin presented all of us with certificates of appreciation and his Commander’s medal of appreciation. After we left Austin’s office, it was apparent that we all were impressed with the man as well as the officer.
Over the last 3 days, two other things have become apparently clear about our military. One is that the real power to get things done in the military lies with the Sargent Majors. Sargent Major is the highest ranking non-commissioned officer in the Army. These are the kick ass, take no prisoner, military men who have the respect of the officers as well as their fellow foot soldiers. Sgt. Major Richardson was assigned to us. A 6 foot, completely bald, bundle of energy, he made things happen for us. A football fan by nature, his favorite NFL team not to be named here, he had a Sgt. Bilko bite to his voice and commands that made our life easier, and made us laugh a lot. Sgt. Major Richardson, you can be on our team anytime.
The second thing I noticed was the change in the working relationship between the regular Army and the Reserves/National Guard. In the past I observed a standoffishness and somewhat lack of respect of the Reserves/National Guard by those in the regular Army. In many ways it was deserved and understandable. In the early going of the war, the regular Army was working side by side with part time military types whose primary military training and practical experience was one reserve weekend a month and two weeks of summer training. In today’s no draft, professional Army, that didn’t cut it. The regular Army soldiers were concerned that the guy he was serving with and possibly fighting with, and depending on, might have been a school bus driver last month. Confidence in your fellow soldier is paramount. That attitude seems to have lessened, if not changed. The reason is simple. Most of the Reserve and National Guard units have been to Iraq on their second or third rotations and they’re now Iraq theater and combat experienced soldiers. They’ve now proven themselves, and with that has come acceptance. It adds to the credence of the Army slogan, “Army of One.”
Sports Byline, Live From Iraq
Talking sports is a wonderful communications vehicle. As I’ve found from the nearly 20 years of hosting Sports Byline USA, you can talk, debate, analyze and argue sports in a passionate way that reflects the joy, frustration and excitement of sports and the athletes who play them. It’s the one thing most of us enjoy and aren’t afraid to voice our opinion about. As I mentioned earlier, the young soldier in Mosul said, our broadcasting and talking sports made him feel like he was back home. That’s the whole purpose of bringing Sports Byline to the troops.
I’m deeply appreciative of the sports friendships I’ve developed over the years. I admire these men and women who have made a commitment to playing their game to the best of their ability. Some have won championships, and some have played so well they’ve been inducted into the Hall of Fame. But, win or lose, Hall of Fame or not, many have gone on to become friends that when I called upon them to join me for our broadcasts from Iraq and Afghanistan they’ve eagerly done so. Randy Cross, Spencer Tillman and Brian Billick didn’t hesitate to say “yes” when I asked them to travel halfway around the world to spend time with our troops and to share the microphone with me. And, when I asked former 49ers owner Ed DeBartolo Jr., ESPN’s Chris Berman and coaches and athletes like Tiki Barber, Pete Carroll, Tony Dungy, Barry Zito and Jerry Rice, as well as Hall of Famers John Riggins, Jim Brown, Coach K, Tommy LaSorda, Joe Morgan, future Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, along with NBA Commissioner David Stern, NHRA’s Kenny and Brandon Bernstein, to join me on the broadcasts, they all said, “Count me in.”
It’s always a roll of the dice when you have “guest” co-hosts. Fans and listeners think it’s easy to talk sports and interview athletes, but usually if they get the chance to do so, many get dry throated, stammer and can’t tell you whether the ball is stuffed or blown up. Also, talking to big name sports stars can be very intimidating. That certainly was not the case with my soldier co-hosts. These guys were zeroed in and when it came to questioning our star athletes and coaches, they were on top of their game. I smiled and laughed several times as I thought, “They don’t need me.” The same professionalism they show in their soldiering duties, they also showed in co-hosting Sports Byline. From my perspective, it gave me a wonderful feeling to be able to give them the chance to talk with our sports guests, to let them be on air, and most importantly, to let their friends and family hear that they’re well. Seeing them having a good time, laughing and interacting with Brian, Randy and Spencer, and giving them a memory and a story to share with others, made it all worthwhile.
Time to Head Home
It’s time to saddle up and head home. Having been to Iraq and Afghanistan before I’m prepared for something I had been warned about after my first trip, separation anxiety. Even though it has only been a relatively short period of time that we’ve spent with the soldiers, leaving them is difficult. It’s hard to explain, but trust me when I say the shared moments, particularly in this case because of the rocket attack and loss of life, the stories shared, laughter, watching our brightest and bravest go out on patrol wondering if all of them would come back, and witnessing first hand a commitment to their jobs that makes you proud, makes it hard to say goodbye and head home. As Randy said after his trip with me to Afghanistan to meet the troops, “It was a life changing experience.” And, a special moment for me came when we were touring Saddam Hussein’s Victory Over America palace. Spencer Tillman put his arm around my shoulder and said, “Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I’ll never forget it.” Neither will I.
The trip back to Kuwait comes after a three-day sandstorm that grounded all helicopter flying and didn’t allow us to get to the International Zone where I wanted to say hi to the staff of the Baghdad American Forces radio station. SBUSA has been a part of AFN for 19 years and they were looking forward to seeing me as much as I was to seeing them. I guess it’s the Robin Williams, Good Morning Vietnam in me. Just as disappointing was not being able to spend time with the heroic medical personnel at the IZ hospital. They save lives and patch up the wounded men and women and get them moving on to Landstuhl, Germany where they do further life saving work. I promise, the next time guys we’ll do it.
The return trip to Kuwait was uneventful. Again, I was given cockpit privileges and the view from 20,000 feet of Iraq and Kuwait leaves you speechless at how baron it all is. One difference between our trip out of Iraq compared to our trip into it is we have 60 soldiers with us who are going home for 15 days of leave. They look happy, but I sense it’s a tempered happiness since they know they’ll be returning after a short period of time home.
We land at the Kuwait military airfield in another sandstorm. On our bus trip from the flight line to operations we see what we all agree is the most bizarre and puzzling mental picture we’ll take with us from the trip. For no explained reason, we see four men shoveling and moving sand around in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the sandstorm. Picture blowing sand in the middle of nothing and these four men shoveling it. It will remain one of life’s great mysteries. The second mental picture we all had was when we were going to the DFAC (mess hall) for lunch while we were waiting to be picked up and taken into Kuwait City in order to catch our flight later that night. As we walked through the sandstorm, we looked over a series of barrack like buildings. About a half-mile away, partially obscured by the blowing sand, we saw a symbol of America sticking in the air above all else. It was the McDonalds’ arches. We knew we were back in friendly territory.
Sitting beside me on the 14-hour flight from Kuwait to Washington, D.C. was Congresswoman Laura Richardson. On the way over I had a chance to talk with Senator Joe Biden. So, I got a chance to air some of my thoughts on Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m not sure whether they liked my bluntness or not.
Touchdown back in San Francisco came 24 hours after we left Kuwait. As I traveled across the Golden Gate Bridge, I thought about the men and women I had been with a half a world away. I’m appreciative of their commitment and willingness to leave home, family and friends, and to risk their lives each day. The politics of this war aside, in the final analysis this trip was about people. And, the servicemen and women I met on this trip, and my previous trips to Iraq and Afghanistan, I admire and respect. We should be proud and support them. And please, never forget them and support them when they come home and for years to come. To not do so would be worse then the reason they’re in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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