Chuck Norris the only WMD in Iraq, say U.S. troops
Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:24pm EDT
By Mohammed Abbas
FALLUJA, Iraq (Reuters) - Hollywood action star Chuck Norris, known for his martial arts prowess and tough-guy image, has become a cult figure among the U.S. military in Iraq and an unlikely hero for some in Iraq's security forces.
A small cardboard shrine is dedicated to Norris at a U.S. military helicopter hub in Baghdad, and comments lauding the manliness and virility of the actor have been left on toilet walls across Iraq and even in neighboring Kuwait, soldiers say.
"The fastest way to a man's heart is with Chuck Norris's fist," reads one message at the shrine, which consists of a signed photo of the actor surrounded by similar statements.
"Chuck Norris puts the laughter in manslaughter," reads one and "Chuck Norris divides by zero," reads another.
Known as Chuck Norris "facts", the claims have already become an Internet phenomenon, and scores are featured on www.chucknorrisfacts.com, including "Superman wears Chuck Norris pyjamas", and "There are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Chuck Norris lives in Oklahoma".
The actor has visited Iraq several times and was made an honorary Marine last year. Some 20 U.S. military personnel and support staff spoken to by Reuters could recite at least one Norris "fact", despite many having not visited the Web site.
U.S. troops in Iraq say his support for them and Norris' invincible image has made him their idol and insist the exaggerated and satirical claims are not meant to mock him.
"The jokes all add to his legend. They're not derogatory. He's an icon," said Sergeant Joe Lindsay at a base in Falluja in Iraq's Western Anbar province, which Norris has visited.
AN IRAQI NORRIS
Bearded and muscled, Norris shot to fame fighting kung fu legend Bruce Lee in the 1972 film The Way of the Dragon, and later films show him devastating groups of men with one kick.
"Norris visited Iraq when violence was its worst and other celebrities were skittish. He's one of the guys," U.S. military public affairs officer Specialist Mark Braden said in Baghdad.
"The Marines love him. He's like a mythical legend," Staff Sergeant Amy Forsythe in Falluja said.
Soldiers cited many reasons for his appeal. Some appreciated his films and fighting ability -- Norris is a martial arts guru, and many of his films have military themes.
Others said the masculine and plainly dressed actor was an antidote to the preening and moisturized metrosexual male.
Some praised his Christian and political values. The actor recently endorsed Republican Party presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, though in the spirit of the Norris "facts", Marines argued it was Huckabee who endorsed Norris.
"He's helped us a lot. The appeal is also his martial arts, and sheer physical presence ... I don't think I go a day without hearing a Norris joke," said Corporal Ricardo Jones in Falluja.
Norris' appeal is not restricted to U.S. troops either. At an Iraqi police graduation ceremony in Falluja, graduates called out for their "Chuck Norris" to pose with them for photos.
"Truthfully, I didn't know who he was. I asked the Americans, and they said he was a great fighter, and that's why they named me after him. They showed me a video, and it's true, he's a great fighter" said police trainer Mohammed Rasheed.
With his handle-bar moustache, Rasheed has a vague resemblance to Norris.
Another police trainer said Chuck Norris was a role model for the police in Falluja, which until 2007 was an al Qaeda stronghold and the scene of fierce battles with security forces.
"I've seen his videos, he's a hero. He saves the city, he protects women and children and he fights crime wherever it is. We should all be like Chuck Norris," Khaled Hussein said.
(Editing by Matthew Jones)
Chuck Norris Doesn’t Visit The Troops, The Troops Visit Chuck Norris
Posted on March 10th, 2008
Chuck Norris is proving to be a huge inspiration to the U.S. troops in Iraq. The soldiers erected a shrine to the tough guy at their helicopter base. They put up a cardboard dedication to Norris, emblazoned with Chuck Norris ‘facts’ in celebration of the star.
Norris himself has visited Iraq on several occasions, and was made an honorary Marine last year.
U.S. troops insist his support for them and Norris’ invincible image has made him their idol.
Sergeant Joe Lindsay says, “The jokes all add to his legend. They’re not derogatory. He’s an icon.”
By the way, did you know that there is no chin under Chuck Norris’ beard, only another fist?!
We are dedicated to all of the military personnel currently assigned overseas defending this great country. We also hope to offer moral support to the loved ones left behind. We are not experts but are willing to lend a listening ear and maybe learn something along the way.
Hosted by Keith and Carolyn Maupin parents of
Keith "Matt" Maupin Missing in Iraq since 4/9/04
____________________________________________
Second visit to Iraq 9/12/07
B-roll of Chuck Norris visiting U.S. Soldiers stationed at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Scenes include Norris arriving by helicopter, greeting and taking pictures with Soldiers, and Soldiers lining up to get his autograph. Produced by Pfc. Jake Marlin.
dition features stories on the Pacific Rim Airpower Symposium at Hickam Air Base, Hawaii, a conference showcasing civilian technology for military representatives, Chuck Norris visiting U.S. Airmen downrange at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and the process of transitioning military working dogs into retirement. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Chris Decker.
Chuck Norris delivers round house kick of fun to Al Asad service members
Sept. 23, 2007; Submitted on: 09/23/2007 07:13:18 AM ; Story ID#: 200792371318
By Cpl. Zachary Dyer, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (FWD)
Actor and martial arts star Chuck Norris speaks to Al Asad service members during his meet and greet, Sept. 15. The event at Al Asad was one stop on Norris’ tour of various bases in the Middle East to show his support for service members.
Chuck Norris, actor and martial arts star, shakes the hands of Marines after posing for a photo with them at a meet and greet at the Al Asad Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Center, Sept. 15. Norris made it a point to shake the hand of every service member he met.
AL ASAD, Iraq (Sept. 23, 2007) -- They say Chuck Norris doesn’t sleep, he waits.
They also say Chuck Norris’ tears can cure cancer; it is just too bad he never cries.
Chuck Norris does not just support the military, he comes out to Iraq to shake the hand of every service member he can.
The man, the myth, the legend, Chuck Norris, held a meet and greet with Al Asad service members at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center, Sept. 15.
During the event, Norris shook hands and took pictures with hundreds of Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen. Norris also visited service members at the Al Asad hospital during his stay. The stop was part of a tour of bases throughout the Middle East.
“We’re going to about 15 bases over here, and getting a chance to meet with as many troops as we can,” said Norris. “Last year, I shook hands and took pictures with about 18,000 troops, and hopefully I can surpass that this year.”
Norris, a former service member, expressed to the crowd his appreciation and support for everything they are doing in Iraq.
“The thing is, I’ve always been involved in the military,” explained Norris. “I’m ex-military myself. I just want the troops over here to know that, back in America, we are all supporting them. I mean you see support stickers on every car on the road. And our prayers and our thoughts are with all the troops that are over here.”
Wearing Marine Corps digital utilities with “Honorary Marine” over the breast pocket, Norris shared a smile and some kind words with everyone he met.
“I’ve played a Marine in a lot of movies,” said Norris. “But then I was fortunate enough for General Conway to make me an honorary Marine. So now I’m official, I can say Semper Fi and all that. That’s why I did so many military movies. I’ve done about eight movies that dealt with the military, and that’s because it’s something that is really close to me. The military turned my life around. When I went in right after high school, I had a lot of problems, and the military really helped straighten me out, and it does that for a lot of young people.”
The service members in the crowd expressed their excitement to meet one of their childhood heroes as the sound of the audience chanting Norris’ name could be heard outside the MWR building before the event.
“I love Chuck Norris, he’s awesome,” said Pfc. Kevin Flores, a traffic management clerk with Combat Logistics Battalion 4. “He’s showing his support for the troops. He’s got a lot of guts to be out here.”
Lance Cpl. Nicole Corbett, an avionics technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29, echoed Flores’ feelings.
“Since it’s his second time out here I think it’s really cool,” said Corbett. “I’ve seen his pictures from the last time he was here, but I didn’t think I would ever get to meet him. So it is pretty cool that he’s out here again and I get to meet him.”
The martial arts hero said that he was enjoying his time in Iraq and was having fun meeting with service members.
“The chow is my favorite part,” said Norris jokingly. “Everything is great. I have a mission out here, and that is to meet as many troops as I can, and that’s what I’m focused on. But the chow is good.”
-30-
Actor and martial arts star Chuck Norris speaks to Al Asad service members during his meet and greet, Sept. 15. The event at Al Asad was one stop on Norris’ tour of various bases in the Middle East to show his support for service members. Photo by: Cpl. Zachary Dyer
Chuck Norris, actor and martial arts star, shakes the hands of Marines after posing for a photo with them at a meet and greet at the Al Asad Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Center, Sept. 15. Norris made it a point to shake the hand of every service member he met. Photo by: Cpl. Zachary Dyer
IRAQ
2007
Chuck Norris signs an autograph for Capt. Carla Stephany-Cox with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia. The "Walker, Texas Ranger" is visiting deployed servicemembers. Captain Cox is deployed from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tia Schroeder)
Chuck Norris poses with security forces Airmen from the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia. The "Walker, Texas Ranger" star, who served as an Air Force security forces Airman before becoming an actor, is visiting deployed servicemembers.
Allison Batdorff / S&S Cpl. Donald Taylor, 24, of Greenville, S.C., got some martial-arts information and a writing sample from the master himself when Chuck Norris came to Camp Blue Diamond on Friday.
Allison Batdorff / S&S Army Capt. Eric Beltz, 27, of Jackonville, Fla., is a Chuck Norris fan from way back. He brought Norris’ autobiography for Norris to sign Friday when the martial-arts star visited Camp Blue Diamond in Anbar province.
CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq — There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.
This is Chuck Norris’ third-place favorite “fact” about … well, himself. He also likes the one about him shaving with a rock, he said Friday during a visit with troops in Iraq.
A chance to shake hands with the soft-spoken 67-year-old inspired hundreds of troops from Camp Blue Diamond and surrounding areas to line up for a hot, sunny wait on Friday. He even drew more soldiers than a team of visiting professional cheerleaders at his last base visit, Norris said.
“It was pretty incredible,” Norris said. “It was quite a feat.”
The star of the “Walker, Texas Ranger” TV series and numerous martial-arts films is visiting bases in Anbar province this month — organizers wouldn’t give specifics for security reasons — on his second trip downrange. He toured 11 bases last year.
“I came over to let the troops know that the folks back home appreciate and love them and pray for them every day to come home safe,” Norris said.
During the afternoon, he smiled for pictures and autographed countless items, including photographs, books, a government voucher and even boxing gloves.
Cpl. Charles Decatoire had Norris sign his uniform after making the trip with other 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines at Hurricane Point.
“I’m never washing this thing,” said the 26-year-old from Springfield, Ill.
While many were martial-arts fans from way back, some waiting in line were new Norris devotees, brought into the fold by “Chuck Norris Facts” — a list of the superhuman qualities possessed by the toughest man alive. The Internet phenomenon has people worldwide contributing gems like:
n Chuck Norris’ tears cure cancer. Too bad Chuck Norris has never cried. Ever.
n When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
n Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.
n When Chuck Norris falls in water, Chuck Norris doesn’t get wet — water gets Chuck Norris.
The “facts” cropped up a few years ago and have found a happy haven in military culture. They are frequently inscribed in base toilets here to boost morale, servicemembers said.
Norris takes all the joking in stride.
“I consider it a compliment and a chance to reconnect with younger people,” Norris said. “Some of the jokes are hilarious.”
Others, he added, are a little over the top.
But there are also some real facts about Norris that fans should know.
Norris fought and won the World Professional Middleweight Karate Championship in 1968 and held that title for six years before retiring undefeated, according to his Web site. He also became the first man in the Western Hemisphere to be an eighth-degree black belt grand master in tae kwon do.
Norris also is an offshore powerboat racer, a motivational speaker for Christian Ministries and a writer. But first and foremost, Norris is a humanitarian, his Web site said.
Norris shook 18,000 hands in 2006 — a record he wants to break this year, he said.
But please, troops, quit with the death grips, he asked.
Forget about trying to out-man Chuck Norris through a hand shake. It’s impossible, so just don’t try.
FOSTERING THE VIRTUES OF HONOR, DUTY AND LOVE OF COUNTRY.
September 16, 2007
Chuck Norris is Back in Iraq
Chuck Norris, a true American hero, is back in Iraq visiting our troops. Norris, who writes a weekly column for World Net Daily, is back in Iraq for the second time in two years, this time in the area of Anbar province. It seems that the action hero and world martial arts champion likes to hang with sheepdogs.
“I came over to let the troops know that the folks back home appreciate and love them and pray for them every day to come home safe,” Norris said.
During the afternoon, he smiled for pictures and autographed countless items, including photographs, books, a government voucher and even boxing gloves.
At least one man in Hollywood is doing the right thing for our country.
Tough guy Chuck Norris visits Marines in Iraq
By Michael Hoffman - Staff writer Posted : Friday Sep 21, 2007 16:52:34 EDT
Now, it all makes sense. The real reason Sunni sheiks decided to start working with Marines in Iraq’s Anbar province was because they didn’t want a roundhouse kick to the face from an honorary Marine.
Chuck Norris, star of the TV show “Walker, Texas Ranger” and numerous martial-arts films, recently went to Iraq for about two weeks after he was personally invited to travel with Gen. Robert Magnus, the assistant commandant. Magnus and Norris became friends earlier this year during Norris’ first trip to visit Marines in Iraq, said Jeff Duclos, Norris’ spokesman.
On March 28, Commandant Gen. James Conway made Norris an “Honorary Marine.”
During his latest trip to Iraq, Norris traveled to about four bases each day, meeting Marines and other troops, trading martial-arts tips and signing autographs, Duclos said.
This trip was different from the first in that Norris traveled this time to forward operating bases that were “pretty remote,”, Duclos said.
Norris’ popularity has grown with multiple Web sites dedicated to jokes about Norris’ alleged super-human abilities — such as “Chuck Norris’ tears cure cancer; too bad Chuck never cried.”
Norris was unfortunately unavailable to speak with Marine Corps Times by press time as he was still recovering from his long trip back to the States.
Wait, on second thought, retract that last statement. After all, Chuck Norris doesn’t sleep, he waits.
Courtesy of Jeff Duclos
Martial-arts star and honorary Marine Chuck Norris poses with Marines and other members of his traveling party during his recent trip to multiple bases in Iraq.
Vist our shopping for the new Troop shirt.
Mr. Norris loves the troops and this shirt was inspired by them. Some use the saying WWCND, meaning "What Would Chuck Norris Do?" Each star is a different camo from each branch of the service.
Chuck Norris, six-time world professional karate champion, movie and TV star and, more recently, a WND columnist, is visiting U.S. troops in Iraq where he says the surge is working and "morale is up – way up!"
Norris is visiting 15 bases – including remote outposts – at the invitation of the assistant commandant of the Marines, Gen. Bob Magnus. It's Norris' second trip to encourage the troops. Last November, his United Service Organizations tour with Marines in Iraq was described by Corps officials as one of the best received ever.
Norris' pastor, Todd DuBord, who is part of the traveling team that arrived last week, says Norris so far has seen more than 10,000 soldiers, "shaking hands with nearly every one!"
Norris said in an e-mail from Iraq two things have become very apparent as he has traveled from base to base: The "surge is working" and "morale is up – way up!"
Norris, who also has met with Iraqi troops and civilians, said he notices a marked difference in security since his November trip.
"It's a huge difference!" he said.
"It is so much safer and more relaxed, particularly in the Al Anbar province," Norris said. "It is so much better than often conveyed by the liberal media."
He plans to talk more about the situation in his next WND column.
Lance Cpl. Nathaniel Sapp and Chuck Norris during previous trip to Iraq in November 2006
"These young men and women are making a difference here, and they believe they can win the day and the war, and give the Iraqi people full ownership of their land," Norris said. "The question is: Will Americans lose their patience before we expand the safety into other regions of Iraq the way our military has in most of Al Anbar province?"
Norris' wife, Gena, told WND the purpose of the trip is to let the troops know "how much my husband cares and appreciates them and to salute them personally for their unselfish willingness to place themselves in harms way to protect this great nation and our freedom."
"As a former airman in the U.S. Air Force, the military has always been very close to me," Norris said at the time. "It turned my life around. It helped me get on the right path."
His career began not in movies or television, but as a real-life martial arts star. Six times he was an undefeated World Professional MiddleWeight Karate Champion and taught celebrity students, including Priscilla Presley, Donnie and Marie Osmond and Steve McQueen.
He founded the United Fighting Arts Federation with more than 2,300 black belts around the world. In 1997, he became the first man ever in the Western Hemisphere to be awarded an eighth-degree Black Belt Grand Master recognition in the Tae Kwon Do system, a precedent in 4,500 years of tradition.
Norris also is a powerboat racer, and in 1991 with his team won the World Offshore Powerboat championship. He followed that up with a world record time of 12 hours and 8 minutes for the 605-mile trip across the Great Lakes in a 38-foot Scarab boat.
His autobiography, in 1988, called "The Secret of Inner Strength," was a New York Times best-seller, and he's represented the United Way, the Veterans Administration and the Make A Wish Foundation.
He's described his most rewarding accomplishment as the creation of his
Kick-Start Foundation. With the help of President Bush, he implemented a program teaching the martial arts to 150 high-risk children at M.C. Williams Middle School in Houston, Texas, as part of the school curriculum. It was so successful at helping instill discipline and respect in the kids, as well as getting them out of gangs, the program now is in 30 schools with more than 4,200 young boys and girls participating.
Norris and his wife serve on the board of directors of the National Council on Bible Curriculum In Public Schools with the aim of helping students understand the Bible's impact on history and literature.
Yesterday Camp Blue Diamond had a special visitor: Chuck Norris. Now, many of you might be surprised to learn that, in my opinion, no celebrity has stronger appeal to Soldiers and Marines. Word spread that the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders were going to Camp Ramadi, and we were getting Chuck Norris. Camp Ramadi ended up sending guys over here to see Chuck Norris. The man's career rests on the bubble of what divides A and B list actors--so what's the draw? Well, for starters, the man has been made an honorary Marine, and at 67 years-old, that's pretty impressive. And sure, it doesn't hurt that he's been in dozens of testosterone-driven shoot-em-ups; he's become an icon of toughness. But the appeal is more bizarre and even cultish in nature.
In late 2005, a phenomenon occurred involving jokes that illustrated Chuck Norris' hyperbolic toughness. Nearly every Soldier can tell you his favorite; they're displayed on the inside of just about every Port-a-John in theater. Rarely does your first Chuck Norris joke get you laughing. They're really quite dumb. But once you've heard a few, and you get the gist, you can't help but smile. With literally thousands of these jokes floating around and hundreds of websites devoted to promoting them, a few really good ones have surfaced. Some of my favorites:
Chuck Norris doesn't read books; he stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
Chuck Norris doesn't cut his grass; he dares it to grow.
There is no such thing as extinction--only a list of animals Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
Chuck Norris does not sleep; he waits.
When Chuck Norris is doing push-ups, he isn't lifting himself up; he's pushing the earth down.
An episode of Walker: Texas Ranger aired in France. They surrendered just be on the safe side.
Chuck Norris is so fast he can run around the world and punch himself in the back of the head.
Chuck Norris can lead a horse to water AND make him drink.
Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.
Chuck Norris' tears can cure cancer. Too bad he's never cried.
Chuck Norris doesn't wear a watch; he decides what time it is.
Chuck Norris ordered a Big Mac at Burger King, and got one.
Chuck Norris counted to infinity--twice.
As you can see, there is a certain omnipotence implied by these jokes. The refreshing thing is, Chuck Norris is a rather committed Christian, and although he takes the hyperbolic jokes in good humor--he's emphatic about the need to put God first in one's life. During his visit, SGT Tremain asked him who has been most influential in his religious development. He explained his mother taught him faith in Christ, but during his careers in fighting and film making he lost his way. That is, until about ten years ago, when Chuck Norris' then-fiancé explained that if he was going to be in her life, then he needed to get right with the Lord--and stay that way. And so we see that just like the rest of us humans, Chuck Norris knows who's boss--his wife.
In a development sure to be viewed as a turning point in the Iraq war, karate champ turned actor turned Fox News talk show host, Chuck Norris has just headed over to set things straight in Saddam Hussein's old stomping grounds. He'll be covering the conflict for World Net Daily. Well, hold on to your hat, two things have already become apparent to Chuck:
The "surge is working" and "morale is up--way up!"
Why we didn't think of sending Chuck sooner is a mystery to me. Hell, we probably just should have sent him in alone back when this whole thing began. Consider his qualifications:
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August 7, 2007
News Articles
Chuck Norris, Mr. T Keep Dangam Safe
Story by Sgt. Brandon Aird Posted on 08.01.2007 at 08:12AM
CHUCK NORRIS STATEMENT ON BEING NAMED AN HONORY MARINE BY THE U.S. MARINE CORPS
During my November, 2006 USO “hand shake” tour of Iraq, the Marine Corps, which was then celebrating its 231th anniversary, offered to be my military sponsor. I was both pleased and grateful for the offer.
As a former Airman in the U.S. Air Force, the military has always been very close to me. It turned my life around. It helped me get on the right path. This tour was an opportunity for me to meet many of the brave young men and women who now serve our country and also get to know some of the skilled and dedicated warriors who lead them. Included in the latter category are Marine Corps Brig. Gen Robert B. Neller, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, and General Robert Magnus, with whom I had the privilege of traveling with to Iraq and who has since then become a good friend.
When I was asked to come to Washington, D.C. to meet and have dinner with Marine Corps Commandant, General James T. Conway, that was honor enough. When he informed me I had been named an honorary member of the Maine Corps, I was speechless.
It is a great honor and I am humbled by it.
For all of those who thought of me for this recognition, I thank you. To all of our service men and women, I salute you. I support you, and I am so proud to now, in a small way, be one of you.
God bless you all.
Conway makes Chuck Norris honorary Marine
By Kimberly Johnson - Staff writer Posted : Thursday Mar 29, 2007 20:35:43 EDT
So you’ve got a problem with the new tattoo policy? Don’t feel like going on your third deployment? Think your crummy barracks needs renovating?
Don’t complain to the commandant. Unless you want a roundhouse kick to the throat from his new friend.
On Wednesday night, Commandant Gen. James Conway made legendary martial-arts ninja and action movie star Chuck Norris an “Honorary Marine” during dinner at the commandant’s residence in Washington, D.C.
The honorary award was the first such given by Conway and was the result of a nominative process, said Col. Frank McKenzie, military secretary for Conway. The title of Honorary Marine “is not given lightly,” McKenzie said.
In recent years, Norris’ popularity has surged with Marines. Leathernecks worldwide have been known to cite satirical Chuck Norris “facts” — unconfirmed and exaggerated declarations about the newest Honorary Marine along the lines of “There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.”
Norris has said he is aware of the circulation of the “facts,” but doesn’t take them too seriously.
“The thing that is so engaging about Chuck Norris is that he’s so straightforward,” McKenzie said. “There’s no artifice about him. He represents a lot of values Marines value.”
The television star of “Walker, Texas Ranger” has also been very supportive of the Corps.
“He’s been very active in support of our wounded warriors,” said McKenzie, who was present at the dinner. Norris also recently took a trip to Iraq with Assistant Commandant Gen. Robert Magnus, which was considered one of the best-received visits to date, McKenzie said. “The Marines were ecstatic.”
Now that Norris is an Honorary Marine, will the Corps be calling him up as part of “Every Marine Into the Fight?”
“Knowing Chuck Norris, I guarantee he’ll be going back to Iraq,” McKenzie said.
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Norris ‘speechless’ after honor
By Kimberly Johnson - Staff writer Posted : Tuesday Apr 3, 2007 9:27:45 EDT
Martial arts legend Chuck Norris said he was rendered “speechless” when Commandant Gen. James Conway made him an “honorary Marine” last week.
The honor was the first such award to be given by Conway, who personally hosted Norris for dinner Wednesday.
“When I was asked to come to Washington, D.C., to meet and have dinner with [Conway], that was honor enough,” Norris told Marine Corps Times in a statement Monday. “It is a great honor and I am humbled by it.”
Norris’ connection with the Corps includes a November 2006 United Service Organizations tour with Marines in Iraq, which Corps officials say was one of the best received.
“As a former airman in the U.S. Air Force, the military has always been very close to me. It turned my life around,” Norris said. “For all of those who thought of me for this recognition, I thank you. To all of our service men and women, I salute you. I am so proud to now, in a small way, be one of you.”
_______________________________________
Sempi Fi Mr. Norris.
I guess we could add this to the list of "tough" sayings:
"Why did the Marines make Chuck Norris an Honorary member? They were afraid not
to!"
Robert Hicks
USMC (1987-1992*)
* Once a Marine always a Marine!
__________________________________________
Here is somthing you may all like to follow:
Hello,
My cousin in a Marine that is currently serving in Iraq. Mr Norris visited the base where my cousin is stationed and she shared some photos with me and shared stories of how much it meant to the marines. She even went so far to say that Mr Norris had the biggest turnout and moral boost over any other celebrity that has visited them. After a few e-mail conversations, we decided to do a fun, morale boosting project.
Here is what we did:
I have a "Chuck Norris Action Figure" on my desk at work. "Chuck" was the floor enforcer. If someone stepped out of line, they would find their cubicle in disarray and the Chuck action figure posed on their desk. We decided to deploy Chuck to Iraq so that he can help out our troops.
Earlier this month, I shipped my Chuck Norris action figure to my cousin in Iraq and started his "Tour of Duty". He arrived a few days ago and is already out on a mission with someone from public relations. My cousin is taking picutres of "Chuck" with the soldiers and e-mailing them to me as often as she can.
I built a website for the project and will post any pictures and stories about Chuck's tour of duty in Iraq. When the war is over, Chuck will hopefully return home to his post on my desk.
Stars and Stripes Mideast edition, Saturday, October 28, 2006
Action star Chuck Norris is set to visit troops downrange as part of his first United Service Organizations tour.
Norris, who will be accompanied by actor Marshall Teague, will be traveling to the Persian Gulf to meet servicemembers and sign autographs.
An Air Force veteran and martial-arts star, Norris is known worldwide for playing the lead roles in the TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger” and numerous military-themed feature films such as “Delta Force” and “Missing in Action.”
His larger-than-life persona also has been the subject of a recent Internet phenomenon, spawning Web sites such as www.chucknorrisfacts.com, with quips such as “Chuck Norris counted to infinity — twice,” and “Guns don’t kill people. Chuck Norris kills people.”
Teague also has appeared in numerous films, such as “The Rock” and “Armageddon,” and TV programs, such as “Babylon 5” and “Sliders.”
Specific dates for the tour have not yet been released.
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Actor Chuck Norris to visit troops downrange Stars and Stripes Mideast edition, Saturday, October 28, 2006
Action star Chuck Norris is set to visit troops downrange as part of his first United Service Organizations tour.
Norris, who will be accompanied by actor Marshall Teague, will be traveling to the Persian Gulf to meet servicemembers and sign autographs.
An Air Force veteran and martial-arts star, Norris is known worldwide for playing the lead roles in the TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger” and numerous military-themed feature films such as “Delta Force” and “Missing in Action.”
His larger-than-life persona also has been the subject of a recent Internet phenomenon, spawning Web sites such as www.chucknorrisfacts.com, with quips such as “Chuck Norris counted to infinity — twice,” and “Guns don’t kill people. Chuck Norris kills people.”
Teague also has appeared in numerous films, such as “The Rock” and “Armageddon,” and TV programs, such as “Babylon 5” and “Sliders.”
Specific dates for the tour have not yet been released.
Film, television star and martial artist Chuck Norris (right) playfully puts a choke hold on Marine Lance Cpl. Nathaniel Sapp of Niskayuna, N.Y., during a visit to Combat Outpost Rawah in Anbar Province, western Iraq, on Monday. — Mike Theiler / USO / AP Photo
“Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.” The lengthy list of “facts” about Chuck Norris circulating the Web — there’s even a Chuck Norris Facts Web site — has made the action-movie actor and television star of “Walker, Texas Ranger” an icon.
When Marine Corps Times asked leathernecks earlier this year which celebrities they wanted to hear from in our “Salute to the Troops” issue, many of them requested Norris.
Norris has since returned the love. The Air Force-vet-turned-martial-arts-champ donned desert camouflage and visited with service members in Iraq this week.
According to Lt. Col. J.J. Dill, with Regimental Combat Team 7 in Iraq, Norris and “Walker” co-star Marshall R. Teague visited service members courtesy of the United Service Organizations.
“The Marines and soldiers lined up to see them wherever they went,” Dill wrote in an e-mail released Wednesday by the Westchester Marine Corps League. “As a matter of background, Chuck Norris has become kind of a Marine Corps ‘legend’ over the past few years,” wrote Dill, who met Norris on Tuesday.
Dill said leathernecks often reference Norris “facts” during briefs in Iraq to lighten the mood.
“Their visit means a great deal to the average Marine, soldier, sailor and airman. It lets them know that America is behind them and supports the mission we have been assigned.”
Marine Corps Times asked Norris in April for a message to service members serving across the world.
“Today, more than ever, the inspiration for the parts I play is found in you — our nation’s men and women in uniform and the selfless contributions you make on a daily basis to keep our country safe and free. I salute you,” Norris said.
Chuck Norris, company kick up morale in Camp Fallujah, Iraq
Submitted by:
I Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by:
Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Sean P. McGinty
Story Identification #:
20061129546
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- (Nov. 1, 2006) -- Multi-National Forces – West received an exponential boost in power when action films stars Chuck Norris and Marshall Teague visited Camp Fallujah Nov. 1.
The visit was part of their United Service Organizations-sponsored tour of Al Anbar Province, Iraq, and Kuwait.
“I came out here to see the morale of the troops and give them a morale boost,” said the 66-year-old martial arts expert. “If it helps them in any way positively, I’m elated.”
Brig. Gen Robert B. Neller, deputy commanding general for MNF-W, and Maj. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, commanding general MNF-W, worked diligently to bring Norris and Teague here for their deployed warriors.
Norris explained he planned to visit Iraq three years ago, but because of an impending major operation he was unable to make the trip. He said he believes the operation was tied to the capture of Saddam Hussein, which was announced two days after the trip cancellation.
During their tour, they were able to observe an operations intelligence briefing, visit Fallujah Surgical, and were given a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program demonstration at the chapel.
The service members who attended the assembly at the chapel looked ecstatic when Norris and Teague arrived there, chanting “Chuck, Chuck, Chuck …” and the troops broke into an uproar when the living-legends entered the building.
Before the Marine Corps Martial Arts demonstration, Col. George H. Bristol, Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group commanding officer, spoke about the program’s benefits to the user. Bristol mentioned that when he was putting together the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, Chuck Norris was one of the first people to take an interest in the development.
“The Marine Corps is a fighting organization, based on honor, courage, and commitment, and that’s how Chuck Norris has lived his life. This is a match made in heaven,” said Bristol.
Following the demonstration, Norris highlighted his career as a martial arts expert and movie star in a speech to more than 1,000 service members. He also talked about his Kick-Start program for teaching middle-school kids martial arts and keeping them away from drugs and gangs. The statement earned him an ovation from the crowd.
Norris also saluted all the military members who attended, and let them know how special the military is to him.
“The military is very close to me, because it turned my life around,” Norris said about his four-year tenure in the Air Force, where he served in Korea in the early ‘60s. “Joining the military helped me get on the right path.”
“It’s cool to have someone of his stature out here,” said Cpl. Michael E. Hamilton, a scout sniper with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. “(The USO) could have sent somebody who had nothing to do with the military, but they sent Chuck Norris.”
“I think it was great he came out here to see us,” said Sgt. Frank Ellin, staff secretary administration noncommissioned officer and information systems coordinator. “I know he’s busy, and it was awesome he came out here to see us troops and raise our morale.”
Norris and Teague will see more than 10,000 troops in their four-day volunteer tour of Al Anbar Province and Kuwait, said Rachel M. Tischler, USO director of entertainment.
Norris also spoke about how he already had ties with troops deployed to Iraq.
“We communicate to a lot of troops out here through our Web site,” the Walker Texas Ranger star said. “I’m a spiritual leader to 10 platoons here in Iraq.”
The master of the roundhouse kick also mentioned what will stick out to him the most about his visit.
“I’ll remember the smiles on the faces of the troops. They’re great kids out here,” he said. “These troops are motivated to win this war.”
Guess who showed up in Iraq this week? Chuck Frickin' Norris!!! This pic is from one of the other Brigade paralegals who is at a different FOB out west. Unfortunately, they didn't allow him to travel to our neck of the woods, as he would have roundhouse kicked the insurgency into the middle ages where they belong and the war would have been over. Did you know that Chuck is now a columnist at WorldNetDaily? You can find his first article here. Chuck is actually a Christian and speaks about the recent Chuck Norris Facts phenomenon and his beliefs, so that is pretty neat. I would think that the mainstream media will have a hard time attacking him for his Christianity, as nobody wants to get a roundhouse to the face. After all a study showed the leading causes of death in the United States are: 1. Heart disease, 2. Chuck Norris, 3. Cancer
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From the Union.com
11/6/06
Sergeant meets Chuck Norris after losing two buddies
Sgt. Daniel Hilsabeck faces the unexpected every day when he patrols the roads of western Iraq. Still, he was unprepared for his reaction when actor Chuck Norris visited his army platoon in Ramadi, Iraq, last week.
"Not too many civilians want to come to Ramadi," Hilsabeck wrote in a recent e-mail. "I really respect the guy for that. I'm a fan of his now."
Hilsabeck e-mailed his family about Norris' visit, an uplifting event that came on the heels of the loss of two American soldiers Hilsabeck knew, according to Diane Pruss, Hilsabeck's mother.
Pruss welcomed Hilsabeck home during his two-week leave in September after not seeing him for nearly a year.
"It was wonderful," Pruss said. "When I saw him come down that escalator at the airport, to be able to hug him was worth it all."
Submitted photo Actor and Air Force veteran Chuck Norris recently visited Daniel Hilsabeck's platoon in Ramadi, Iraq. Hilsabeck is pictured standing second from left.
Hilsabeck's latest tour of duty began in December 2005. His scout platoon, Shadow 2/37 with the 1st Armored Division, was supposed to come home in December. Recently, the platoon's tour was extended until the end of 2007. Pruss said that the family was disappointed that Hilsabeck wouldn't be coming home for another year, but she supported him in his job.
Hilsabeck's work as a scout keeps him on the roads of Iraq up to 24 hours a day in Ramadi, an insurgent stronghold in the western Al Anbar province.
"I could be sitting out on some hill with binoculars for 24 hours observing enemy movements, driving up and down a highway looking for bombs for a few hours or kicking down someone's door," Hilsabeck wrote, describing a scout's typical day.
His job includes patrolling the roads in search of improvised explosive devices, planning and executing ambushes and sniper shooting.
One of the ways that his platoon deals with the stress is to bond more closely, according to Hilsabeck.
"We always know when someone's having a bad day," he wrote. "We have been living together for a few years now, so we are pretty much like family."
Technology also plays a role in keeping the soldiers' spirits up. The platoon purchased a satellite dish for Internet access, which Hilsabeck said helps them keep in touch with the outside world.
"Internet is what keeps us sane," he wrote.
While high-speed Internet fills the void of news from home, it doesn't replace more traditional means of communication. Next to e-mail, a sure way to make a scout's day, according to Hilsabeck, is to send him or her a letter.
After enlisting in May of 2003, Hilsabeck was sent to Iraq and worked training Iraqi police in the northern town of Tal Afar. Today he serves as squad leader for his platoon, which conducts reconnaissance. Since returning to Iraq in December 2005, Hilsabeck has noticed a dramatic improvement in the Iraqi police.
"They are organized, and most units are well-disciplined compared to 2003 and 2004. Every day they're getting better," he said, adding that their continuing success was crucial and would help in getting American soldiers back to the U.S.
Hilsabeck spent his two-week leave visiting family and reconnecting with friends. One night he went out in Reno in a rented limo, "cruising the town like a rock star," he wrote.
While it was difficult to leave home for Iraq when the two weeks were up, he noted that his responsibility toward his platoon made the transition easier.
"My guys need me over here," he wrote from Ramadi.
ooo
To contact Staff Writer Jill Bauerle, e-mail jillb@theunion.com or call 477-4219.
Write a letter to Daniel Hilsabeck or any scout:
SGT Hilsabeck Daniel
HHC 2/37 AR Scout Plt
1BCT 1AD FOB Blue Diamond
APO AE 09346
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Chuck Norris on special mission in Iraq by SOPnewswire 11/06/06
Posted 3 hours, 46 minutes ago
Any military promotion is an honorable (and memorable) experience, but how many service members can say they’ve been promoted by a four-star general? It’s a relatively short list.
How about a four-star general, an actor who brawled with Patrick Swayze and a career martial artist/cultural icon with a propensity for roundhouse kicks? Even the grandkids might have trouble believing that one.
Corporals John W. Wright and Lazaro A. Castillo, intelligence specialists with Headquarters Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), and Cpl. Romel M. Estremadura, a member of the 1st MLG Personal Security Detachment, earned these bragging rights and their present rank during a special promotion ceremony here Nov. 2.
Gen. Robert Magnus, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, along with action stars Marshall Teague and Chuck Norris, joined a military formation of 20 service members to promote the three Marines.
Magnus administered their oaths of enlistment and handed out the Marines’ promotion certificates before speaking to the crowd.
“Most of the Marines standing before us joined in the middle of a lethal war,” said Magnus, referring to the entire formation. “You should all be proud.
“What you’re doing is giving (the Iraqis) a chance, an opportunity. Most of you are rotating home, but the Iraqis are not going anywhere, they are home. You are helping them take back their own country, and they appreciate it.”
Magnus alluded to a conversation he had with Maj. Gen. Tariq Abdul Wahab Jasim, commander of the 1st Iraqi Army Division.
“General Tariq said you are all humanitarians, an interesting choice of words... but what he meant is that you are giving all of yourselves on behalf of his people,” Magnus explained.
“I’ve never been prouder in 37 years than I am right now standing among the likes of you,” he added. Magnus received his commission in 1969, seven years after Norris, 66, completed his fourth year in the Air Force.
Norris was a military police officer and took his first martial arts class while deployed to South Korea. For one of the recently promoted Marines, pinning on his new rank at the hands of a childhood hero seemed a fitting honor.
“I grew up watching ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ with my dad – we still watch reruns,” said Wright, a 21-year-old from Malakoff, Texas. He started laughing. “I guess it’s a Texas thing.”
Chuck Norris, a true American hero, is back in Iraq visiting our troops. Norris, who writes a weekly column for World Net Daily
, is back in Iraq for the second time in two years, this time in the area of Anbar province. It seems that the action hero and world martial arts champion likes to hang with sheepdogs.
