Stories from Iraq (Oct. '06 - Nov. '07) - WWE Lays 'Smack Down' on 'Grey Wolf'
Posted: Friday, April 24, 2009
by Ryan Stroud
BAQUBAH, Iraq -- The Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, were treated with a visit from some of the World Wrestling Entertainment's biggest stars: World Tag-Team Champions Edge and Randy Orton, Carlito, Jeff Hardy, Chris Masters and Torrie Wilson, Dec. 7, at Forward Operating Base Warhorse.
The wrestlers took time out of their schedule to spend an afternoon with the Soldiers of "Grey Wolf," all in hopes of raising the Soldiers morale.
"WWE has come out here so we can be a part of a meet-and-greet with them," said Spc. Steven San Agustin, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd BCT.
"This was a cool experience," added the native of Dededo, Guam. "They gave out t-shirts, coins, magazines and other items for us to have as souvenirs."
The wrestlers stood at tables as the excited Soldiers swarmed for their chance to meet their favorite star. Each wrestler signed autographs and posed with the elated Soldiers.
"The wrestlers were really humble and happy to sign things and pose for pictures with us," said San Agustin. "It seemed they were willing to do whatever it took to make [the Soldiers] happy."
"This whole experience was great," he added. "Meeting the wrestlers gives us a good memory of being in Iraq and that's really important."
"It means a lot that they are here," said Pvt. James Johnson, Company A, 215th Brigade Support Battalion, and a native of San Antonio.
"They are taking time out of their schedule just to come out here and spend some time with us," he continued. "It really makes a difference in our morale."
Johnson also added he appreciated the risk the wrestlers have taken to come spend time with the Soldiers.
"When they come out here, they put themselves at risk just so we can meet them and get some pictures, that's really special," said Johnson. "We do appreciate it. I know I will remember this for a long while."
Hardy said the risk was well worth it just to see the excitement from the Soldiers.
"This is a great experience," said Hardy. "It's my first time over here and I'm getting dirty and loving every minute of this."
"I hope the Soldiers get an excitement out of this," he continued. "I hope we brought them some joy. This trip was well worth it."
"But most importantly," said Hardy, "we want them to know we are just like them and appreciate what they do over here. We're all apart of the same team and we love what they do for us and our country."
Ryan Stroud is a military trained journalist who has served in Iraq with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, US Army. Prior to his military experiences, Stroud grew up playing, coaching, and refereeing soccer. Also, Stroud focused many years of his life playing, touring, and recording/producing local music acts. He has a wonderful wife of 4 years, a 2 year old son and a newborn daughter.
Stroud's biggest writing influences are Jim Butcher, Chuck Palahniuk, Edward Lee, Jack Ketchum, Christopher Moore and Ben Fox.
He currently resides in Huntsville, Al, with the 59th Ordnance Brigade at Redstone Arsenal.
Stroud would also like to take a moment to thank his friends who are currently in battle over in Iraq. God bless all of you.
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