In Memory of Mr. Robin Williams. There were Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines packed 1100 deep in a stadium no bigger than your average high school football field. It had been Sadam Husseins entertainment venue at Balad Airbase Iraq long before the US Army captured it. The base had been attacked three times that day and there were rumors that the USO show would be canceled. It was anybodys guess if the plane would even arrive. We were all very happy to learn that indeed the plane was on its way and one of the special guests performing that night would be none other than Robin Williams. I was so excited that I forgot where I was. I remembered Hook, Good Morning Vietnam, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Toys. In an instant I recalled watching him perform in front of Johnny Carson with my sister when we were kids. I think everybody on base that day had the same uplifting memories I did. So there I was jammed into this tight little stadium awaiting the main act. There was that guy from The Water Boy, some NFL Star, and a pretty young woman from The Best Damn Sports Show. I could care less about them but they opened the show and were entertaining. Then the moment everybody had been waiting for. The army in front of me erupted in cheers, military hoots and grunts echoed off the hesco barriers when this short little man walked on stage...He was wearing body armor just like us, except he had jeans on. He didnt make it half way to center stage when a female Staff Sergeant screamed I LOVE YOU ROBIN!!! At which point he threw off his body armor, centered himself on stage, lifted his shirt and said DO YOU LOVE THIS?!!! Exposing a trapped jungle of chest hair that seemed to look like he had more body armor under his shirt...The crowd was in tears. I mean laughing so hard they couldnt breath. It was like 4 months of battle, heartbreak, loss, and guilt was gone in an instant. We all in that moment felt we were home. This is what Robin Williams could do, this is what he did. He was a master of his craft and a soldier of generosity. At the end of the show he parted with Im not important, Im an actor, you are what maters here tonight, not me. He bowed and exited the stage. Robin Williams was a humble, generous, kind, talented, and wonderful human being. I have never met another person who could drag an Army of battle hardened, war torn troops out of such depths of darkness. This is how I will remember Robin Williams. Rest in piece Sir, you have so many that love you, and Im so thankful that you shared a moment of your short life on this planet with me and my brothers and sisters in arms. You are a hero and will never be forgotten.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 02:46:25 +0000
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