During Day 3 of Tribute to the Troops, Michael Cole had the opportunity to talk to many servicemen about their time in Iraq and the WWE's visit.

Here are some of their thoughts in their own words:

Staff Sgt. Stephen Sandoval, US Army
Colorado Springs, Co.
I have been in Iraq for 12 months on this, my third tour of this country. I am a mechanic and a scout. I am in charge of vehicle maintenance. I am really excited to be a part of the Tribute to the Troops show, and even more excited to be a part of the set-up of the arena.

I am just glad to have the opportunity to come out here and show my support for WWE and the Superstars who have given up their time to come here. It is so important the soldiers are entertained, and I just want to thank WWE for doing this.

It’s a bit different

Another rewarding day in the Middle East as we move a step closer to the actual Tribute to the Troops show. I am staying in tents with a dozen WWE technical personnel a decent walk from where the venue is being constructed.

The unplanned wake-up call came at 5 a.m., when chants from a Muslim prayer rang throughout this entire region, blaring on speakers from the center of the city. This is a common occurrence in most Middle Eastern countries. The soldiers here tell us you learn to live with and respect the early morning revelries and will soon sleep through it.

The venue moves closer to completion, despite major power issues over the past few days, so a group of us took the opportunity to tour one of Saddam Hussein’s largest palaces. It is a gaudy, ornate three-story structure

Two days away from the Tribute to the Troops show and a handful of WWE personnel are literally constructing this arena from the ground up in the desert. 

WWE has commandeered an entire parking lot. They have moved tents into the back of this lot, serving as makeshift dressing rooms for the superstars and a makeshift TV production truck. This tent will house audio and video equipment as well as producers and directors come showtime. A huge flat bed truck is being used as the actual stage.  A plywood ramp is being constructed as well which will lead down to the ring.

It is such a surreal scene -- beautiful blue skies, pristine architecture in the background, a background often filled with Blackhawk helicopters or plumes of smoke reminding us this is an active war zone.

Cranes