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.
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