Two hollywood actors stopped by the FOB the other day. Ambassadors of Hollywood offered many actors and actresses a chance to come overseas and spend two weeks with the troops here. Kelly Hu is a an actress who volunteered to come, but she had some type of surgery last minute and could not make it. She was in x-men II, scorpion king, the mummy, and the mummy returns. It is a bummer that she could not make it, but hopefully the surgery went well, and she can make the next trip. 
Amanda Swisten was able to make the trip. She is a model and actress who played the stripper maid during the bachelor party in American Wedding. She has also made appearances in sitcoms including joey, two and a half men, quintuplets, i'm with her, and las vegas. She is from both new york and virginia, but now lives in california. She is a writer for multiple magazines as well.
Up up and away! You all might know him as superman in the tv series 'lois and clark'. Dean Cain also volunteered to come to iraq. His most recent hit movie was called 'out of time' with Denzel Washington. The scott peterson murder trial movie, 'the perfect husband' is another recent role for Dean. He was in the movie 'rat race', and even produced the ripley's believe it or not show. After finishing his education at Princeton (was a star football player), he was offered a position with the Buffalo Bills. He hurt his knee before his NFL start, then turned back to acting.
A couple buddies and I decided to get in line for a picture with them. When I stepped into the room where they were, I saw exhaustion in their eyes. I figured it was due to their just arriving at the FOB, and from the heat. Once they got settled here, and got a chance to cool off in the a/c, I could tell their energy level started to pick up. Traveling really wears on people who visit us over here. Many of them are rushed to sooooo many FOBs in one day, and there is little down time to recover. We all got pics with them, and I even took some video with my digital camera. Once the pictures were finished, we got a chance to ask them some questions. Troops asked how they got involved with visiting us, future film projects, and I even asked them if they are more likely to seek military film roles now that they have seen a combat zone. Dean responded that he has done many military roles in the past, and would act in more if had the opportunity. They both talked about where they were from, and how they got into acting. Dean was especially moving when he spoke about how proud he was of us, how much more patriotic he is now, how tough he thinks we are, and how thankful he is of what were are doing here. He has a four year old son, and Dean recognizes that we are protecting his life and freedoms. They both shared how great it was to sit back in a chair and just chat with troops. It was the first time during their trip that they got a chance to do that due to the previous fobs beings so large and overwhelming. Our fob is smaller in size and personal, so ended up being more of a relaxing atmosphere. Also, at a previous fob, they got a chance to watch the new star wars movie with troops. The fob got mortared and the power went out. They joked how worried they were about the situation, then looked around at all the calm troops who just sat there waiting for the power to come back on. My platoon sergeant and I joked that troops would just sit there thinking, 'oh well, got time off to see the movie and i'm not moving till it comes back on and the movie ends'.
One younger guy convinced Amanda to hold up his SAW (squad automatic weapon) for some pics. No worries about it being ready to fire. The ammo you see is placed there for effect. I also got a chance to thank them for coming and got a picture with Dean. He really is a very down to earth guy, and struck me as a person who has not let fame get to his ego. Check out his next movie if you get a chance. 
Overall it was a good day. Its nice to break the monotony of regular life here in iraq. Toooo many days mirror previous ones. Thanks to MWR, ambassadors of hollywood, the us army, and pro sports mvp, who sponsored the trip! Again, thanks to Dean and Amanda for taking time out of their busy schedules to see what is really going on over here.
“I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.” Edith Cavell
It is great to see those who can and will volunteer to bring a little "cool" sunshine into your lives on the front lines. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the good work. We are all so very proud of you and what you are doing. My best to your platoon. Tell them complete strangers pray for all of you every day.
Posted by: Donna | May 24, 2005 at 02:44 PM
I must say, I'm envious that you got to meet one of the stars of Rat Race. That has to be one of the funnitest movies ever made. But as I sit back in my comfortable chair in Kentucky where only a helicopter-sized fly disturbes my peace, I recognize that those of you risking life and limb for my liberty deserve this honor far more than I. Grace and peace to you.
Posted by: Chris | May 27, 2005 at 05:43 PM
Glad to see some worth while folks of the Hollywood crowd paying you guys a visit. To top it off Amanada's a Hottie & from your post Dean seems down to earth..
Posted by: Billy | June 01, 2005 at 08:18 PM
I'm glad that entertainers get out of their "comfort zones" to come pay attention to you and bring some cheer and distraction. It sounds like Dean and Amanda were a hit.
I'm a Lutheran minister and I want you to know that my church prays for our military every single week. We ask God to send His angels to guard you. We pray that you will be able to complete your duties with honor and return home quickly. We pray for your families that they would be provided for and supported in your absence. We pray for the people of Iraq and we pray for peace. But when we are done praying, we get off our knees and do what we are able write letters, send care packages and support military charities. You guys and gals are awesome and America loves you and appreciates you very much!
Posted by: Scott | June 02, 2005 at 12:12 AM
haha...It is so useful imformation for us to read...gogo..
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