'The Colbert Report' Heads to Iraq on a USO Tour for 'Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando' Airing Monday, June 8 Through Thursday, June 11 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT
Follow Colbert In Iraq On Twitter At http://twitter.com/stephenathome
Purchase And Download "The Colbert Report" On iTunes And Support The Troops! All Proceeds From Sales Of The Series During The Week Of June 8 Will Benefit The USO
NEW YORK, June 5 -- It's go time Nation! "The Colbert Report" has deployed to Iraq on a USO tour entitled "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando" and will tape and perform shows in front of the troops. "The Colbert Report" is the first TV show in USO history to produce a week of shows in a combat zone. "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando" will air on COMEDY CENTRAL Monday, June 8 through Thursday, June 11 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT. In addition, Colbert will post updates from base on Twitter at http://twitter.com/stephenathome.
"The USO counts this as military service, right? I might want to run for office some day," Colbert said.
This trip marks the second time the show has broadcast from a remote location. "The Colbert Report" had previously traveled to Philadelphia in April 2008 to cover the all-important Pennsylvania Democratic Primary. "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando" is taking place at an undisclosed military base in conjunction with the USO, with all shows taped in front of an audience of troops. The week will feature many segments including Colbert putting together USO care packages for the troops and "shout outs" from notable figures in society.
Guests who will appear on the show include: Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Barham Salih; Gen. Ray Odierno, commanding general, Multi National Force- Iraq; Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby, Jr., commanding general, Multi National Corps- Iraq; Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Grippe, command sergeant major, Multi National Corps- Iraq; Sgt. Robin Balcom, squad leader, 463rd Military Police Company; and Spc. Tareq Salha, Arabic linguist, 111th Military Intelligence Brigade (attached to 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment).
Proceeds from sales of "The Colbert Report" on iTunes during the week of June 8 will benefit the USO.
The USO is a private, nonprofit organization that lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families. In times of peace and war, the USO consistently delivers its special brand of entertainment and comfort to service men and women around the world. USO entertainment tours are essential to fulfilling the USO's mission of boosting troop morale. In 2008, celebrity volunteers traveled to 27 countries and 23 states, entertaining more than 236,000 troops and family members.
"Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando" is sponsored by Burger King.
"The Colbert Report" is produced by Jon Stewart's Busboy Productions, Inc. in association with Spartina Productions, Inc. Stewart, Colbert and Allison Silverman are the executive producers with Meredith Bennett, Richard Dahm and Tom Purcell as co-executive producers. Jim Hoskinson is the director. Dan Powell is the executives in charge of production for COMEDY CENTRAL.
|