I really don't even know how to begin this story. It was a really long, horrible mission. We were in a bad situation in a real bad neighborhood, far from our base. We technically weren't even supposed to be where we were, doing what we were doing (US Troops out of the cities, right?). Daylight was breaking and we needed to get off the streets, lay low for a while. A small US base was nearby, but just a little farther was the main highway that would take us to the airport.

We decided to push for that, where we were more likely to get some of the logistics support we needed on short notice. It was one of those gauntlets runs where I had to just hold my breath and understand that it was out of my hands- An 'if I get through this, I am immediately going to find a phone, call my mom, and tell her I love her' kind of situation.

Thankfully we made it back with all body parts in the right places and collapsed into one of the tents for transient units to get some rest, wait until nightfall, and return to our base.

Getting some food that afternoon, we overheard some officers talking - apparently Angelina Jolie will be passing through in a few hours. Being on a small base across the river from the high-profile Green Zone and Baghdad Airport, we usually don't get to see any celebrities. But now we're hanging out at the airport and pick up this key info.

Without getting into the dirty details, we managed to sneak our into the secure compound at the Division Headquarters where she wanted to meet with a 'small number of select troops' to cheer them up before she flew out of Baghdad (apparently she had been around the city earlier that day talking with refugees in her role as a UNHCR rep). We totally were NOT invited and did NOT belong there, but we timed it just right- they weren't going to kick us out right in front of her- we were dirty and sweaty straight off the streets and everything (not clean cut with pressed uniforms like the rest of the HQ types that were there).

They were real strict about photos- none of our own, and the Public Affairs Office had to screen everything for release- this is only one with me in it ( Me, my interpreter 'Roger', ANGELINA JOLIE, and two of my teammates).



I guess this was an impromptu visit which hadn't been coordinated at all. She just happened to be flying out of BIAP and as she was passing through she told her handlers she wanted to see some troops- good for her.

She was quite outgoing and very nice to us. No political message or anything. She was very free with the hugging and if she was tired of a few dozen smelly soldiers oggling her and touching her, she gave no sign. She was smaller than I expected, but I'm pleased to report that (unlike some other celebs I've met) she is still really hot in person.

I wish I had a pic of her hugging me- that would be priceless. Oh well.

The previous 24 hours of stupid near-death insanity melted away after that. Almost made it worth it. Amazing what a hug can do. The only other hug I've had in the seven months I've been here was from my huge sweaty hairy interpreter Hercules when he found out he got his immigration visa to the US approved.

I'm totally going to go watch the Tomb Raider movies now.

Hooray!! :) Love her.

Are her hands that big and scary looking in real life?

I am jealous. I bet she smelled amazing.

She was smaller than I expected, but I'm pleased to report that (unlike some other celebs I've met) she is still really hot in person.

Funny, I thought basically the same thing when I first met Bren IRL.

Well, she is still taller than Bren.

...and her hand is as big as his head.

Right on Bren, that's awesome! :cool:

She did have really long, creepy fingers and a very delicate handshake. I don't recall her smell. She had just got off a helicopter herself from walking around in some Baghdad slum talking to refugees, so I bet she didn't smell all that great, but I've become immune to that since thats what I smell like pretty much all the time.

Dear Angelina,

Please let me apologize for my asshole husband.

Love,

Amanda

:( I was jus' playin'. I'd lick them.

...but c'mon, I couldn't have been the only one a bit startled by them.

I lol'd

Nice! Glad you made it through there too.

Is she going to adopt you?

Someone has a hand fetish here.

And that person is me.

Now I understand the Don's motives...clever bastard he is.

Awesome story, Bren!! Glad you are in one piece most of all though.

That's really cool! They taught you some awesome sneakery in the Army!

I'm sorry you don't get enough hugs.
We will all be sure to remember: "Bren needs hugs," when you come back to the states!
But in the meantime, I'm sure if you asked really nice your big hairy interpreter would give you another one...

Great story! Glad you made it out of a sticky situation and glad you got to meet a hawt starlet! :D

Coincidentally enough, I walked into the gym today and they were showing Tomb Raider

i'll hug you if i ever meet you, bren! i'm no angelina jolie, though.

Great story! Glad you made it out of a sticky situation and glad you got to meet a hawt starlet! :D

Would have been much better if that HAD been the sticky situation.

It was. In my pants.

And for the record, I'm willing to bet a Euls hug is WAY better than an Angelina hug.

With the proper body armor. Which I'm sure Bren has.

I am sure her people have already contacted the feds about the abuse of her picture, name, and appendages.