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

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.

I am up, not because I am an early riser but because I can’t sleep and my body has no idea what time it is. I thought I had planned everything perfectly. I would go to sleep right after takeoff (which I did) sleep for 7-8 hours (which I did) and then be ready to go to sleep around midnight Kuwait time (which I did not). It was more like 3:15 AM when I finally shut out the lights.

Most of Saturday for me was effectively gone when I got onto the bus to jump through all the hoops we had to jump through upon arrival here. Fortunately Rick Kell (Our host and main man at Troops First Foundation) is very thorough and he has us all taken care of (with some special help from his wonderful daughter Lindsey). Rick is a man who has a heart for the troops and their families and I am honored to now call him my friend. He has been over some fifteen odd times so he had things worked out for us to move as quickly through all the paperwork as possible. The “Troops First Foundation” is an organization that has come to life from Rick’s early visions about helping troops and their families.

Of course I was pretty happy because the first sign I saw upon arrival inside the terminal was the McDonald’s sign. God Bless America and Ray Kroc!  Well, I passed on the opportunity but Tim Simpson made a bee line for the quarter pounder section. Both of them were gone in record time.

We then loaded into a van and headed out to our quarters for the night. As I spoke to one of the men assigned to us he said they are security detail. He said, “Did you ever see the movie “Taken?”  We are what Liam Neeson was in the movie.”  Well I have to tell you, as much as he was trying to comfort me, he didn’t.  He just made me remember that someone out there may actually want to inflict some harm. It was actually pretty cool watching our “tail” zig and zag out of traffic to make sure no one had plans on jacking with us.

Collectively can hit ball over 800 yards...who'd a thunk?

After an hour or so on the road we arrived at Camp Arifjan. It is a major support center for most of what happens in Iraq.  Our quarters for the evening are very nice. Bobby and I are sharing a living area. We each have our own room and we share a bathroom.  There is also a kitchen and fridge, which we will have little use for. We are told this is an area where the big dogs stay when they are here.  It is really nice and after Pavlet lead me to believe I would be walking 2 miles in pitch black to go to the latrine in the middle of the night, I am excited to have a bathroom nine feet away.

One thing I found interesting as we traveled out here to camp are all the tents set up in the desert. I asked about it and the guys told me the people from this area go and stay in the tents throughout the winter months. It is their way of keeping with their long tradition of living in the desert. If I explained it incorrectly I apologize. All I know is, in every direction all you see is bright lights, tents and fancy cars.

I am now officially loopy and it is time for bed. What day is it? I am more of a wimp than I ever imagined.

Learn more about Dan at his website DanBoever.com

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.


I would have to say that most of the time I love seeing our troops in airports as I travel.  When you fly 120 times a year you tend to see a lot of military personnel.  I will usually silently pray for them and their families. It is always great to visit with one of them, especially when they are coming home. Man, are those wonderful sights to see as the entire crew gathers around to welcome home their hero.

Today was different though. Today I wasn’t so happy to see someone in uniform. Why? It goes like this. I was in the airport at Chicago O’Hare waiting on my flight to depart. I make the assumption that when some of you read the word O’Hare you winced. Any seasoned traveler knows that going through Chicago is not always the most pleasurable experience. My flight into Chicago today was pretty typical. We leave at 2:35 PM for what is to be a one hour flight. You land, taxi a bit and you are at the gate at 4PM. Right? Wrong.  Here is a tip for those of you who do not fly much. When you land and taxi away from the terminal you should get on your cell phone and check on your connecting flights. It is never good.

Here is how it usually plays out. First you here a clicking noise with the microphone and then the captain comes over the airways and says something to this effect.  Aaaaahh (there is always a bit of a stammer) ladies and gentlemen thanks for flying with us, (right out of a Zig Ziglar sales book) we know you have a choice when it comes to air travel (non of which are good) and we appreciate your business (read from a manual and very heartfelt). I am pleased to announce we were able to take a short cut and we got you here four minutes ahead of our scheduled arrival time (very impressive to everyone).  But, (Oh here it comes…you never want to hear the “but”) I am sorry to inform you that because of our early arrival the gate we are heading to is still occupied (listen to hear if the engines shut down, that will determine the level of your screwed-edness). I made the word up, which I know you figured out.  But you all know what I meant.  We are quite certain the plane is about to pushback and we will get you to the gate as soon as we can (the cockpit conversation is much different I’m sure). Thank you for your patience.

I can’t be the only one to ever hear those words.  My favorite was in Dallas when we arrived six minutes early (they made sure we knew) only to sit on the plane (small tube) for twenty six minutes waiting for the gate agent to come move the jet bridge up to the plane. TWENTY SIX MINUTES.  They actually told us over the loudspeaker the gate agents didn’t know we were coming. We were all too stunned to even make fun of them. Here’s an idea, next time pick up the phone and let them know we might be dropping by.

The stealth, nimble O'Hare Pilot Mouse

Back to gate B17.  I am just minding my own business eating a Big Mac, I mean a salad and fruit cup when out of out the corner of my eye I see a very small, very fast, brown thing run past my foot.  I initially think it is some motorized toy a nearby child is playing with. After all we are in one of the world’s most heavily traveled airports surely they don’t have varmints running around.  When it darted back past me at a very high rate of speed I realize it is no toy. It was a live freakin mouse.  Are you kidding me? I think he was after my Big Mac and that ain’t happening.  I grabbed my video camera and jumped up on the chair. That’s when soldier boy sees me and asks if everything is alright. You really had to hear the tone. I don’t think his words meant what he was asking. I told him I was looking for a good angle from up high to shoot video in case the mouse returned.  You know, it might be cool to have that footage. You don’t see a mouse doing wind sprints all that often in a major airport. His grin told me I was busted. Why couldn’t he have been off having a drink or doing some pushups somewhere?

I got a funny feeling I am not getting away with much over the next ten days.  Our troops seem to have a pretty keen sense of the “latrine level” someone is dishing out.

I’m actually praying for him as well. I am praying he was coming home. I can’t risk seeing him again over there…Stupid mouse.

Tomorrow is Walter Reed and the troops. Excited, nervous and I am sure, soon to be humbled.

Thanks for following along.

Learn more about Dan at his website DanBoever.com