Afganistan Tour

[Gtrplyr]

My buddy just got a call asking if he would play guitar for 2 weeks of shows in Afghanistan playing for the troops and would be flying in Black Hawk helicopters from gig to gig. Money was pretty attractive as well.

Then he asked me if he didn't take it if I would want to do it. That sure was a difficult question quickly but I had to say no. Besides having to learn a set of new material in a matter of a couple weeks I just didn't feel like risking my life.

So let me put that question to you guys- would you have taken the gig?

[rudutch]

yup

[Kap'n]

It's not the way I'd like to see Afghanistan.

[curtisstetka]

I might have. I don't know your personal situation - family, job, etc.

If I were a single guy, I'd definitely take the gig. At this point, being away from my kids for 2 weeks for any reason isn't something I want to do. It would also be very hard to get off work for that period of time.

As for the risk? Could it really be much worse than gigging here? The soldiers are probably a very appreciative audience who won't drunkenly charge the stage.

[Gtrplyr]

I probably would have given it more serious thought if it weren't for the fact I just hooked up with a new band that has a bunch of gigs over the same time frame.. and though they don't really pay anything I feel an obligation to see those though.

Besides being in such a hot conflict area at the moment still leaves me ill at ease. Playing for the troops sure would be a lot of fun though and it would be a very cool experience if one lived though it.

[photoweborama]

The food.. OH the FOOD is fabulous!

[Mahaqa]

In a heartbeat.

[Cogs]

In a heartbeat.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

[Kap'n]

The food.. OH the FOOD is fabulous!

Yes it is. For those who've never had it, it's closest to Indian, especially the breads.

[rudutch]

I thought he was refering to "mrte"

easy for me to say, I was not offered the job...
but
It would be a chance to serve those who are serving our country.
Risky? sure. adventure of a lifetime? maybe. I would think it rewarding beyond any thing else

(imho)

[Gtrplyr]

For me there were just too many loose ends going on in my own life to jump on this and commit on the spot.

Having thought it over now I probably could have swung it but still would have pissed off the current band I'm playing in and the bigger obstacle is that I would need to get my passport renewed.

This sure was one of the more unique opportunities that have come my way though.

[bonefish]

In a heartbeat.

yeah, that.

i read a blurb in rolling stone about the uso booking those kinda shows, and have seriously considered looking into it.

[Gtrplyr]

yeah, that.

i read a blurb in rolling stone about the uso booking those kinda shows, and have seriously considered looking into it.

Better hurry, the war could end any day now!

[4960]

rudutch said:
"It would be a chance to serve those who are serving our country."

I agree. I'm not good enough but, I would if I could.


Ken

[Kap'n]

It would be a chance to serve those who are serving our country.

I prefer to think of it as people being put in a bad position.

[refriedwhiskey]

I think they're serving their country regardless of where the president sends them and what he sends them to do -- and it actually made sense to send troops to Afghanistan after 9/11. It's a different thing from the war in Iraq.

I'm not good enough ever to be asked, but being single and self-employed, I'd probably take the gig. It'd be a chance to give back to the troops, support the only war we ever should've been in, see a very different country and ride around in a huge chopper.

I'm not sure I'd take the same offer if it was Iraq. Not because the troops there deserve any less support -- they're just doing their duty, even if they shouldn't have been sent there in the first place -- but because it's a lot more dangerous there.

[JM3]

I am allergic to rpg's

[bonefish]

Hey Gtrplyr, could your buddy possibly put me in touch with his contact for gigs like that? We were talking it over tonight at band camp and would REALLY like to pursue this (providing I can keep a leash on my drummer-his first comment: "you think they'd let me shoot someone?").

[rudutch]

(providing I can keep a leash on my drummer-his first comment: "you think they'd let me shoot someone?").

doubtful. he might get shot at - but not likely

[Gtrplyr]

Hey Gtrplyr, could your buddy possibly put me in touch with his contact for gigs like that? We were talking it over tonight at band camp and would REALLY like to pursue this (providing I can keep a leash on my drummer-his first comment: "you think they'd let me shoot someone?").

Bonefish, not sure how this band set up the Afghanistan gig but I'm sure if you did some Google work using "USO" you could come up with some leads.

My buddy was merely contacted by a band that he knows so he doesn't have the details himself. Good luck!

[121064]

From the USO.org site:

Non-Celebrity Entertainment

The USO realizes that there are many experienced professional entertainers seeking an audience with the troops that may not yet qualify for "celebrity" status. We encourage you to contact Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE). AFE is the single point of contact in the Department of Defense, for professional non-celebrity entertainment supporting our service members overseas. You can find more information about AFE on their Web site, or contact their offices at 1-800-458-0868. You may also send your press kit by mail to:

Armed Forces Entertainment
Crystal Gateway 2, Suite 413
1225 South Clark Street
Arlington, VA 22202-4306

Good luck and thank you for supporting our men and women in uniform.