Any Stephen Colbert fans out there? If so, you’ve probably seen or heard about Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando. “We wanted to call it ‘Feelin HOT, HOT, HOT: Papa’s got a brand new Baghdad’, but it was too many words,” Colbert said.

In order to prepare for the trip, Colbert took “basic-basic training” at Fort Jackson, S.C. – the training lasted a total of eight hours, although Colbert said he “might have dipped out an hour early.”

After the training, Colbert was ready to take his show live to Baghdad, where it would be recorded, edited and sent back via satellite to the U.S. The United Service Organizations said this was a first for any overseas tour they have organized.

“It’s been fantastic,” he said of his welcoming. “All these people are so nice out here; I don’t understand why they want to fight with each other.”

Colbert noted that he didn’t know much about the country of Iraq, except what he’d learned during the few days he was at Camp Victory.

“It’s hot, it’s sandy, the sun is blazing. It seems like Texas, but with fewer guns,” Colbert said of Iraq. He added that if he were to describe the country to Americans, concrete and blast walls would sum the landscape, and he compared the air quality to that of an exhaust system. “Who had the idea to build an entire country in the tailpipe of a car?” he asked a crowd of about 400 people during his first show.

President Obama, Vice-President Joe Biden, John McCain, Sarah Palin and Tom Hanks sent out special thanks to the troops in pre-recorded messages that aired during the show. McCain’s comment to “always take the time to remember to clean your musket,” grew boisterous laughs, as people shook their heads in amusement. McCain said he learned the importance of a clean weapon during Valley Forge.

When asked if this was a great USO tour or the greatest USO tour, Colbert didn’t miss a beat when he answered “the greatest.” Camp Victory agrees.

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Building Foundations, Securing a Community

Spc. Justin Davis, foreground, an infantryman from Walkertown, N.C., and Staff Sgt. Robert Warmack, background, an infantry squad leader from Cove City, N.C., both assigned to Company A, 252nd Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, search overgrown vegetation during a joint cache and explosives sweep in Doura, here, June 10. “We’re checking these abandoned houses because bad guys are putting weapons caches and explosives in these,” said Warmack. “It’s a big deterrent for the bad guys if we’re out here more.” Photo by Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell

Joint Training Exercise Near Bahbahani, Iraq

Iraqi soldiers prepare to enter a house along with U.S. Soldiers from Echo Company, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade during a joint training exercise near Bahbahani, Iraq, June 4. Photo by Kim Smith

Operation Iraqi Stephen

Stephen Colbert interviews special guest Gen. Ray Odierno, commanding general of the Multi-National Force – Iraq during Monday night’s episode of “The Colbert Report.” Photo by Sgt. Lindsey Bradford

Stephen Colbert greets troops and civilians at Al Faw Palace at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq, June 5, as part of his “Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Command” tour. Photo by Sgt. Lindsey Bradford

Marine Training in the Desert Builds Small Unit Leadership

Scouts with Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, run to their position on the firing line during the final portion of their range training in the Middle East. The training refined and refreshed the Marines’ fire and maneuvering skills, fire movement and combat marksmanship skills. The 13th MEU and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group are currently on a deployment in support of regional and Maritime Security Operations. Photo by Cpl. Robert C. Medina

Soccer Ball and Toy Distribution in Choyoul, Iraq

U.S. Army Sgt. Jordan Sawyer attached to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, gives a soccer ball to an Iraqi child in Choyoul, Iraq, June 6. The Kick For Nick Foundation, from Wilton, Conn., donated the soccer balls. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert J. Whelan

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