'Stan Tour - Day 10 - Camp Phoenix

We managed to get a flight scheduled to bring us to Camp Phoenix in the morning, with a return flight scheduled for just an hour after our morning show. After the show, we learned that we could possibly have a flight scheduled the next morning that would enable us to do an additional evening show at Phoenix and stay the night there. We decided to take a chance and do it, because the Phoenix people were begging us to do so.  And we are glad we took that chance, because we had a blast at Phoenix! Unfortunately, the bulk of the Effinghammers from Bravo Company had shipped out just an hour before we arrived.  I'm sure that going home was better than seeing the band anyway! There were a few local troops remaining, so we had fun hanging out with them.  Special thanks to Sgt. Craig Funneman, a buddy from home, who set us up with some telephones to call home with!

Click here to learn more about Camp Phoenix.

Loading our stuff into and out of the Chinooks is getting old, but riding in them isn't!

In this video, Matt demonstrates the noise level inside a Chinook.

What a view!

Here is a video of our Chinook and it's sister ship taking off from Bagram.

Have I mentioned that Afghanistan is really beautiful country?

Airman Bello, one of our MWR hosts, taking advantage of an opportunity to sleep.  One of the very few opportunities where he knew we couldn't get into trouble, so he took advantage!

Here is a video of the band unloading gear from the Chinook, after landing at FOB Phoenix!

In this video, the sheer power generated by the Chinook nearly blows me over as it takes off.

Setting up on the Phoenix stage for our morning performance.

And the Phoenix personnel began to show up, ready for some entertainment!

Cool bleachers!  (notice the name of the vehicle - Rolling Thunder!)

After the last song of the morning show, Matt is presented with certificates from the Phoenix commanders.  Very cool.

We were then lucky enough to attend a Memorial Day Ceremony at Phoenix.  A very touching ceremony, remembering those soldiers from Phoenix who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Our VIP rooms at Phoenix were converted shipping containers!

We each had our own room, with our own toilet and shower.  Nice.  Very nice.  We can't wait to go back!

The Phoenix command post.

Preparing for the evening show!  After being told that a flight had been secured for the following morning at 5:30am.

Here I am enjoying the scenery.

The "Rolling Thunder" vehicle makes another appearance!

As well as the "Three Bricks Shy" vehicle!

The Camp Phoenix stage crew!  Just kidding - these were some great people - we found ourselves wishing to stay even longer!

Rob and Dirk sharing their warped humor with troops during Matt and Larry Paul's acoustic set.

The band, pictured with local shop keeper Wasi.  Wasi presented us with authentic Afghan hats and scarves!

Accepting a plaque from the Phoenix commanders, after the last song.  These guys treated us like kings.  We truly are not worthy.