Big Boy's Neighborhood Visits Troops

Big Boy's Toughest Neighborhood

EMMIS Top 40/Rhythmic KPWR (POWER 106)/LOS ANGELES and ABC RADIO NETWORKS nationally syndicated morning show BIG BOY IN THE MORNING recently stepped out of the neighborhood to visit fans ... in IRAQ.

When the USO approached J RECORDS artist BABY BASH to perform for the troops in KUWAIT and IRAQ, BABY BASH asked BIG BOYMAN and POWER 106 APD/MD EMAN to be a part of the tour. Power 106's DJ EMAN is BABY BASH's performance DJ and he's the mixer for BIG BOY IN THE MORNING. 

Prepping for the trip, the USO gave each member of the group a thick travel book to inform them about RAMADAN and what they could and couldn't wear and what they couldn't do in public during this religious observance. They were advised to be covered up during the day and they couldn't eat, drink, smoke or chew gum during the daylight hours in public. 

After a performance in KUWAIT, BABY BASH and BIG BOY'S NEIGHBORHOOD flew to three bases in IRAQ on a BLACKHAWK helicopter, C-17 cargo plane and a C-130 cargo plane. They performed in BAGHDAD and two bases in southern IRAQ. The average daily temperature was 130 degrees and got as high as 143 degrees. 

Not only did the group perform for troops, but they had a chance to dine with the troops, visit the hospitals, and meet with troops who couldn't attend the shows. EMAN said, "We spoke to so many troops from SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. We created a custom 'Salute to the Troops' mix CD and gave away over 1,500 copies. The troops were so happy to have someone from home visiting them." 

EMAN was most moved by the outpouring of affection from the troops saying, "We received gifts from the troops and they asked us if we could do 'shout-outs' for their family when we returned home. We closed each show with a song called 'Days Gone By.' It is it about someone in the military who writes home to tell them about how many days until they come home. When I looked out into the crowd, there were so many troops with tears in their eyes."

EMAN added, "We would go out there if we believed in this war or not. We wanted to entertain these troops, show them our appreciation and give them a taste from home. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life." EMAN concluded by saying, "We just took our community service to the next level. It was an honor to do it."

« see more Net News