Here are some thoughts from U.S. Army soldiers here in Iraq that we're visiting with, who are helping out WWE with the arena set-up for the Tribute to the Troops show:
Spc. Brandon David Schmidt
Hanover, Pa.
I am a mechanic. I get vehicles ready for patrol, get them ready to go outside the wire. I repair them if they get hit while on a mission. We keep the guys moving and keep them safe.
I took a couple of days off to come out and volunteer and help the WWE set up the arena for the Tribute to the Troops show and it has been an amazing experience. This is great and gives us a chance to have some fun! Great to have a chance to enjoy ourselves.
Only thing I am looking forward to more than this is finally going home. I can’t wait to see my wife and and one-year old
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