6/5/03

Just recently received an e-mail from Val and a phone

call saying they made it safely to Iraq from Quatar. They had

hoped to perform for the President - not sure how or if that turned

into a reality.

President Bush returns the thanks after being introduced by Gen. Tommy Franks at Camp As Sayliyah Thursday in Doha, Qatar.

The Commander there did let them go to a Spa where they had the works done, manicure, pedicure, massages,  including something called eyebrow threading...which in this part of the world, I believe we don't have so much of a problem with union-brow - it's just using a pair of tweezers once in a while - They use a needle and thread...well, here is her explanation - before and after....

BEFORE....

It's really nice here...this is a rich country! it sticks outlike a thumb 

in between Saudi and kuwait...so look it up! the name of this camp

is Saliyah mostly people of the air force are here. We stay in a nice 

building with everything we need...this would be like the Hyatt of 

most places. The commander told me they were pretty much spoiled 

here. I think tomorrow I'll go get a mud bath, manicure, pedicure,

facial, eyebrow threading, and full body/deep tissue massage...

((((((sigh))))))) any way! This makes me like the Army more! 

love, val                                                    

AFTER....
 
"It hurts! the ladies that work here take a long strand of thread, 
cross it in many different directions, then stick it in between their 
teeth, pull the sides of it so it forms a triangle and go to work on 
your eyebrows! It hurt so bad I'm never doing it again!! I'd rather
get them waxed!!! or have them arched with a razor. "
 
I'll never do that again!
 
Map of Mosul,Iraq
6/9/03
 
hello... I have to make this quick cause were leaving for Mosul...
a soldier was shot and killed after he saw us perform the other day...
he's a sergeant and has kids...he was going to one of the checking
 points when it happened and he got the Iraqi that got him...
at least he shot and killed the one who got him..
another was injured and the other got away..
We were worried about our friends Tubs and Platts because 
they would drive all the way into town to get us ice...
they didn't have to do that. They didn't show up to the second 
show the next night so we thought something happened. 
We haven't seen them since. These people go out of their way for us
..they really need us and constantly thank us for our support. 
It makes me feel bad..sometimes I don't want to leave them..
everyone is so close because that's all you have out here especially
the fact that the soldier next to you could be the next to go. 
I've started a documentary with my video camera just interviewing
soldiers...and artifacts of the war..it's hard to get action because 
of security reasons...but I do see a lot..unfortunately, I don't have 
any tapes left...
Love val.
 
P.S. We're at Camp Al Asad ..been here 2 days...next stop Mosul 
I think that's how you spell it...I'll be in Iraq most of this month
bye.
 
love always, val 
 
**************************************************************************
 
GREETING Mrs. Day,   I am Spec James Doubrley, 40th Public Affairs Detachment.
I was privileged to see your daughter and the rest of the express band during
their trip to Mosul.  The show was excellent.  I do have video and still photos
from the concert.  There is some problems though.  The later part of the show 
the lighting was turned on and caused the images of the band to be silouetted,
This means that all of the footage of the performance after the sun set was not
very good.  Also the Video clips are far too large to send VIA Email and i have
no means to mail them out at this time.  I will see if i can arrange to send 
some of the better still photos and will work with the video to try and make 
it email able to you.  Their help with the moral of the soldiers is a big 
boost for us.  I will do all i can for them.  Thank you for your time ma'am.
 
Spec James Doubrley 
8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
 
BAGHDAD
 
SENT THIS TO SOME FRIENDS IN BAGHDAD WAITING FOR THE PERFORMERS TO ARRIVE....
 
I'm going to Baghdad International Airport tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! 
ASK AROUND AND TELL PEOPLE THAT THERE'S A BAND COMING TO PERFORM IT'S 
TOMORROW 16 JUN 03 AT 19:00 :)))))))))))))))) TELL THEM TO PLEASE BE THERE!!!! 
WE ALSO HAVE OPEN MIC NITE SO THEY CAN GET UP AND PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
LOVE YOU VALERIE