Our good friend, Dan Boever (REMAX Long Drive Champ, golf entertainer and all around good guy) shares his experiences in Iraq as he takes part in “Operation: FORE the Troops”. They say it’s a trip to “visit the troops” and “entertain”, but we know the governments real motive…it’s Dan’s ability to snipe at 380 yards with a Pinnacle Gold Distance.
“Today when I got up I had no idea we would be in a vehicle for six odd hours between three different Army camps. Our fearless leader Rick told us to meet and be ready to go at 9:45. Thus, he deceived me into thinking the trip would be on my normal business hours. I was excited because I knew I could be up and out by 9:45. Little did I know that would be the last of those kinds of departures for quite some time. I am finding that he is a very sneaky man and he is really only thinking of the troops. His concern for our sleep and time is way down on his priority list. I heard him mention something about “We gotta suck it up.” I don’t like him very much.
Our first order of business was to go to command and get briefed by Mr. John Tutson, who is with the MWR. He shared with us the history and purpose for Camp Arifjan. We sat in a big war room looked very important as we nodded. It was also very special to meet Command Sgt. Major Don Harbin from Wynne, AR. He is a 29 year veteran and a good ole boy from my neck of the woods. He was most gracious as he posed for pictures and answered our questions about what goes on in his world.
We then jumped in the bus and rolled to our first stop where we had a quick lunch and then moved to the range to hit some balls for a few troops. It was very spontaneous and the looks on the faces were priceless when they saw Tom Watson and Corey Pavin roll out. Imagine just hitting a few balls out into the desert and here comes a couple of Ryder Cup captains/US Open/multiple tour winning players?
Bobby, Tim and I also jumped into the action. Of course Bobby and I started hitting at objects downfield. We are not content to just hit some crappy straight drive down the middle like our tour friends. We need to see something break or at least get hit. So we zeroed in on a light pole out 200 some yards. It stood 60 feet high and was perfect for our desire to see some destruction on the driving range. Even Tom, Corey and Tim jumped in on the action. It was blast listening to the troops go crazy as ball after ball went zipping right past the lights. It was short but very sweet time with these men.
We left and traveled to Camp Buehring for our next stop. Again we rolled in and had a commander meeting where we had the honor of meeting the leaders of this all important camp. Camp Buehring is the entrance point for a large percentage of our troops going into Iraq. They stop there for final preps before going into Iraq. Thirty seconds in the laughs started as Georgia Bulldog Tim Simpson started squaring off with Lt. Colonel Brian Naugher. It was one against fifteen and Tim was definitely outgunned. Why? They are all from the great state of Alabama. Whether Auburn or Tide fans, they were in unison about their feeling towards the SEC rival Bulldogs. In his lovely southern drawl Tim cracked them with his first words, “Hey did you hear Atlanta is going to expand their zoo? Yeah they are going to put a fence all the way around Alabama!”
We left the command center and went directly to a location where they have a humvee roll-over simulator. We all took turns flipping around upside down. Of course it was very safe. We were strapped in so tight you couldn’t move. And it was very slow, nothing compared to what a real soldier would experience. I was so claustrophobic I almost had them yank the down open before we even started. All in all it was a pretty cool experience.
We then went to meet the troops and signed autographs. I was very proud to be from Springfield, MO as I watched Tom Watson give out Bass Pro Shop Gift Cards to the troops. John Morris is the founder and owner and he donated the cards for Tom to give to the troops. There I was a million miles from home and I could see a touch of my world each time he handed them a card. I was also deeply honored to have my association with Cobra and Pinnacle as I handed out drivers and golf balls they graciously donated.
Our day ended at midnight after the hour and a half drive back to Kuwait. Sleep would have to be quick because our wake-up call was for three-thirty AM. Long day but a good day.
Learn more about Dan at his website DanBoever.com
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I usually don’t normally post on many another Blogs, yet I just has to say thank you… keep up the amazing work. Ok regrettably its time to get to school.