Scott Anderson - The Army's Way To Win Hearts and Minds of Iraqis

This is an actual e-mail I got from my buddy Scott Anderson who is currently serving in the Army in Iraq:

There is this town to the Southwest of our camp, that is the primary source of all rockets and mortars being launched into our base (average 15 attacks per week since May). In an attempt to win over the hearts and minds of the tribal elders the military decided that we would host a day and cater to these peaceful gentlemen and their children. The theory was that, we would get to know them....they would get to know us....and that they would feel bad knowing that they were attacking their friends. Overall the day was a success....if not for one MAN!!! (now honestly, are any of you feeling any suspense at all as to who I am going to start talking about?....I didn't think so) That man was none other than ME! I was asked to be the highlight of the field trip for these fellow Iraqi's and perform a magic show for the 100 or so kids that would be coming, as well as some magic for the Tribal Elders and/or their representatives. I can tell you that the event was not going nearly as well as the military planners had thought it would. I mean everyone was having fun and all, but there really didn't seem to be any connection between anyone....until the "ringer" showed up! Afterwards they couldn't get the Iraqi's to leave, they wanted pictures with everyone, they wanted to ride our bikes, play games, learn English (although I don't think that learning English from U.S. Soldiers is a good idea), and most of all....see more magic. I was even requested by the Iraqi Head Honcho to perform a private show for him and his family! For some reason it was a real big deal to do that. So all in all it was a real fun day. I signed my autograph on over 100 playing cards for the kids and their parents, and they all went away smiling and asking when could we do this again. As far as any more rocket and mortar attacks......only time will tell......but if it works, as one Air Force Colonel put it, "It was 90% because of that Army guy who did those (insert expletive here) up, crazy magic tricks." Here are some pictures from the day.

Scott, The Army's Newest Weapon, Anderson