Robin Williams, Kid Rock and Others Give Performance to Remember

Lance Armstong and Kid Rock meet an injured soldier at LSA Anaconda in Balad, Iraq.

Share It was a mission so ambitious it seemed impossible. Fifteen USO shows in seven nations across Europe, the Middle East and Asia in only six days -- with a lineup as manic as the pace.

From Hollywood to War Zones
Comedians Robin Williams and Lewis Black joined musician Kid Rock, cycling champion Lance Armstrong and Miss USA Rachel Smith and traveled relentlessly by jet, ground and helicopter to deliver an hour of music and song to homesick U.S. soldiers.

Kid Rock, on his fourth USO tour in a combat zone, said, "Any of us will do anything -- sleep four hours, take cold showers, whatever it takes. I just want to give these guys a good show."

Robin Williams was also on his fourth USO tour. Even in miserable weather, it was clear why he remained the favorite of every audience, including one that waited for hours through a snowstorm.

"You know … you gotta be a fool, to stand around in the -- snow for three hours in Kabul." Williams joked to the crowd.

"I wouldn't perform for anybody in a snowstorm but you guys," comedian Lewis Black said to an upwelling of cheers.

Lance Armstrong told the soldiers, "We are all humbled by your bravery, and I can't thank you enough for being here and fighting for our freedom."

The experience was as uplifting for the troops as it was inspiring for its performers and participants.

A Violent, 'Normal' Day in Baghdad
Petty Officer First Class Robin Day said, "As soon as I get back to my base, I'm gonna call my husband and tell him what I got to do tonight. It's probably the biggest highlight since I've been here. I've got an 18-month tour."

Though it was hardly A-list travel, the tour had its own reward for the celebrities.

Black choked up. "It's hard. I don't have words. I'm not a crybaby, but it's overwhelming."

"You just come away in awe," Williams said, "and it's something you never forget."

One performance was canceled by a sandstorm and another by a blizzard. But through countless delays and missed meals, lost voices and broken guitar strings, show after show went on.

Williams said, "You meet kids that look like you want to see some ID. You see girls in flack vests on the line. You see nurses taking care of guys that come to the show with them to make sure they can get up the stairs. You get that sense that if it helps for one moment -- with the stuff that they go through -- it's a good thing."

"In a week's time you get back so much. I would recommend it to anybody," Williams said before adding this caveat, "if you have an act."

This article was first published on December 28, 2007 on ABC World News