Here is a good post I received from one of the troops at the Artie Lange “Sand In My Ass” Comedy Tour. (I just made up the name. If you steal it I expect residual checks monthly.)

Surely on their way home after an exhausting trip over here to Afghanistan, Artie, Gary, Jim Folerntine, Nick Depallo, and Dave Atell made a great impression here where I am stationed. After almost not making it due to a flight delay the boys came by at 1830hrs to have dinner and a meet and greet. They came rolling in SUV’s lead by an Up armored HUMMVW. They stepped out and looked around for direction to the next place. They were looking tired but determined as they introduced themselves to the boys and me who were standing outside anticipating their arrival. We motioned them into the chow tent for a dinner with the boys. They sat down and graciously shook hands and spoke to a few Soldiers as they tried to eat their meals. They never came off as bothering them during dinner and Artie repeatedly returned apologies of bothering him by saying “you guys are why we are here, no problem”. Gary sat and motioned my 1SG over when I pointed out “BaBa Booey”, Gary ery happily introduced himself and said hi. I sat with Dave Atell at first trying not to feel rude while the guys were eating. I do not like coming off as a dazed and confused, star struck fan. He was very accomadating as we spoke some politics and Afghan culture while he ate. I then turned around and sat next to Jim on my right and Artie on my left. Nick and Gary were seated at the inside of the table respectively. I do not follow anybody with crazy enthusiasm. I own a Sirius and I am familiar with Artie’s story and I have heard the names of all the comedians but I do not claim to be their biggest fan and I certainly do not own all their collections. I have five kids and although i think these guys are great, i am not a collector of their products. Embarrassingly, I introduced most of the table by memory and had to read Jim’s name tag to remember his name. It was a tad bit uncomfortable but Jim was a gracious guest and brushed it off. I sat and spoke with Artie and Jim for about 15-20 minutes and it was great. We talked about Artie’s new book, Entourage, and a few details about Jim Norton that I will not reveal. (I just happened to get his book by mail that day). I learned to really enjoy Jim’s company, he is a down to earth, no bullshit guy who was easy to talk too. Artie, of course was the same. Honestly, there was no uncomfortable silences between the three of us and I was very happy about that.

We finished up dinner and headed to the MWR room for a question and answer meeting. We sat outside for a minute and I asked Gary a quick question about Artie. I was under the perception, mistakenly so, that Artie was not signed on for the full five years. So iaske Gary, “Did Artie resign for the show?” He quickly stated that he was always signed for the full five years and quickly made me feel like over stepped my bounds. It was very uncomfortable to made to feel that way. I was not trying to pry, considering everything is aired on the show and I was sure that before i was deployed, their was rumor of Artie leaving.

Anywho, after finding Dave Atell around the corner smoking with a couple of the boys, we finished a picture or three with some of the guys and drove on. The guys sat down in the MWR room while Soldiers trickeled in to see the spectacle. These guys were great. There were some uncofortable pauses but I know that they were trying to keep thee vibe up. I threw a couple of whats up with the Yankees and asked Gary about what his family thought of his travels overseas. He answered the question honestly and i was content. Artie was eating his after dinner apple and trying to come up with stories that related or were funny. He did a good job but i sensed a moderator could have helped. These guys were probably very tired and were real troopers. Then Gary got up and used Jims phone and must had something important because he was gone 20 minutes and when he came back in, he stated that they had only ten more minutes and they better sign some autographs.

They finished siging and i asked the guys to sign my Jim Norton book. I know it seems wrong, but i figured they are alll comedians and Jim was in the book and damn it, i felt it would be cool to have. Unfortunately, my fears were realized when Gary said something to the effect of signing something for Opie and Anthony. It was uncomfortable and maybe I am not aware of the autograph code of conduct. Common sense says i shouldnt have, but considering my access to things here, it was what i had.

I walked Jim and Artie out back to the Mess tent a for a road water. Got a picture with bot and offered to buy them a beer when they hit Buffalo, NY.

Artie, thanks for the visit, take care.

SSG Trunzo