Update from the plane…

We are 5 hours into our flight to Qatar from Shannon, Ireland. We are currently right over Baghdad and it is 3:12 a.m. I wonder what it’s like 35000 feet below. Hopefully calm yet I doubt it.

I’m a little nervous about what I’m going to say to these great men and women. I have no problem speaking to a group of cancer survivors or sports teams but nothing compares to the pressure of this — the responsibility I feel to motivate and inspire. What are they thinking? Do they love this? Hate this? Wanna go home NOW? Or don’t mind being in this hot, dirty and dusty place. One thing I know is that it’s all about survival and to a larger degree survivorship — life beyond war. They must be wondering “what is my life going to be like when I get outta here? Who will love me? Who will be there? What will I do for a job? Will I even be able to get a job?”

These are familiar questions to me. I faced them in 1996 and 1997 and recovered from chemo, surgery …

Perhaps I reflect on that for them.

We are due to get in quite a bit earlier than we expected so that’s good.

For you bike fans, yes, we’re in Qatar, where they have the pro race now. It started a few years back and I reckon they still do it. I have no clue.

One thing I know … I’d rather be here supporting these great men and women than racing the crosswinds of Qatar.

The crew:

Me. You know me, right?

Kid Rock. Very surprising character. Very smart, yet uncomplicated. Very aware of many areas of society — the arts, sports, politics. Cool cat. And yes, I agreed with him that he shoulda followed up with that left on Tommy Lee.

Robin. Ah, my old buddy. Probably the main reason I’m here as he had always told me about the amazing experiences here and I always wanted to see it first hand. Robin’s had a rough few years, some of which I lived through with him. He seems to be doing great and I’m excited for him in that regard. Still as funny as ever.

Lewis Black. Quieter and still getting to know the crew, it seems. Very cool and very nice though.

Miss USA. Uh, what can I say? Stunningly beautiful as expected. But very smart and sweet as well.

I got my main man and best friend, Bart Knaggs here with me as well. It’s funny … people sometimes refer to things like “who would you take to war?” Well, I had to ask that question and Bart was by far my first pick. The best, smartest, fairest, friend I’ve ever had.

Tell my mom I love her and tell Kik and the kids that dad’s alright.

Later …