Operation Swashbuckle started a few years ago when we were approached by Armed Forces Entertainment to go over to Europe to entertain the troops just after 9-11. We knew then that times had changed and that we, as comedy entertainers, had something to contribute to make a small but real difference in an environment that was rife with fear, prejudice and anger. We would do it with laughter.
 If you're hosting Hack and Slash at your base, visit our USO Information Page |
Operation Swashbuckle has three main objectives:
Objective #1: To spread laughter and boost morale for our deployed armed forces.
Some of these soldiers have the most stressful jobs imaginable and, because they come face to face with the native peoples of the distressed nations they are deployed to, they are our ambassadors to the world. We think it is so very important that these men and women who are representing the United States bring calm, compassion and humor to their important work. We hope to help as many as we can to exercise their smiles.
Objective #2: To increase awareness at home of the sacrifices being made by American soldiers serving their country.
Regardless of what peoples' views on war or politics are, we want them to know that there are real Americans; fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, immigrants, young and old, who are loyally heeding the call of their country to serve and protect all of us. We spoke with many of them and some agree with everything that we are doing, others have their own ideas about how we can best promote peace and freedom at home and abroad. Regardless, they are honoring their oath to serve and are fulfilling that duty every day. Each night, as we all go to bed, here in the "Land of the free," we hope everyone will take a moment to have a few good thoughts for our fellow Americans who are beginning their day in a desert, a war-torn city, or on a remote airfield somewhere. To those who serve us, we wish full measures of courage, tolerance and most of all laughter.
Objective #3: To act as ambassadors of goodwill to the countries we visit.
We want to make a positive impression upon the citizens of the host countries we visit. They need to know that all Americans aren't soldiers. Some of us are just goofy guys in tights who love to laugh!
The Operation Swashbuckle Team:
- John Davis (Hack) - six tours
- Spencer Humm (Slash) - six tours
- Todd Key - four tours
- Dan Thurmon - one tour
- David Vanderveer - one tour
- Virginia Hess - graphic design and support for five tours
- Sheep’s Clothing... produced t-shirt giveaways for six tours
- Northside Video - production support for our documentary, Operation Swashbuckle
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If you're hosting Hack and Slash at your base, visit our USO Information Page |
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