USO Takes The Stage With Al Franken in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
For 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been the bridge between the American people and our men and women in uniform, conveying the heartfelt appreciation and support of a grateful nation.

Al Franken and other photos by: Tim King

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - USO performers visited Kabul, Afghanistan to entertain troops stationed in the area around Camp Phoenix, home of the Oregon Guard's 41st Brigade Combat Team. As Salem-News.com reporter Tim King tells us, the event was a huge success.

One thing that's always a sure hit with Americans at war is a USO show. A number of celebrities visited Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan to put on a performance that no one would soon forget.

Entertainers and fans braved cold conditions to enlighten and energize troops, most of who are serving at least a year in this combat theatre.

Several groups performed at the event

The Commanding General of the Base Douglas Pritt says it does wonders for their well being.

"The USO show is fantastic, and a great message to the members of our teams and it's the first time to Task Force Phoenix because they usually go to places with much larger concentration of U.S. forces," General Douglas Pritt, of the Oregon Guard commented.

This show wasn’t the first time to Afghanistan for Al Franken though, and kept people in stitches throughout evening. It was a real break and a laugh a minute. He and the others who made it to Camp Phoenix were appreciated by hundreds of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen.

Al Franken said, "There's different ways to serve and these guys are doing it, and I'm trying to do it a little bit by coming out every year to say thank you for the American people. I personally wish we had stayed here with a larger force and not been distracted by Iraq, and that we had even half the resources we put into Iraq here."

Many Oregon Guard soldiers were able to meet and greet performers that they enjoy from sports, radio and television.

Marines stationed here say it goes a long way toward breaking the daily pace of work in a combat zone.

The show did a lot to boost the morale of these Americans and other coalition troops based in Kabul. It was a rare treat for people stationed far from home.

As the sun over the event fell away, the air grew even colder, people stuck it out to enjoy the performance that lasted well into the evening at Camp Phoenix. The same USO show also visited troops in Iraq days earlier.

Watch the Video News Report below, direct from Kabul, Afghanistan by Tim King:
Video

Tim holds awards for reporting, photography, writing and editing, including the Silver Spoke Award by the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (2011), Excellence in Journalism Award by the Oregon Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (2010), Oregon AP Award for Spot News Photographer of the Year (2004), First-place Electronic Media Award in Spot News, Las Vegas, (1998), Oregon AP Cooperation Award (1991); and several others including the 2005 Red Cross Good Neighborhood Award for reporting. Tim has several years of experience in network affiliate news TV stations, having worked as a reporter and photographer at NBC, ABC and FOX stations in Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. Tim was a member of the National Press Photographer's Association for several years and is a current member of the Orange County Press Club.

Serving the community in very real terms, Salem-News.com is the nation's only truly independent high traffic news Website. As News Editor, Tim among other things, is responsible for publishing the original content of 82 Salem-News.com writers. He reminds viewers that emails are easily missed and urges those trying to reach him, to please send a second email if the first goes unanswered. You can write to Tim at this address: newsroom@salem-news.com