Kids can say the darndest things...

....so can adults.

As a huge sports fan and former accomplished golfer, I heard an interview on the radio the other day that made me laugh, cry, and proud all at the same time. It was so profound, I remembered every word spoken, and do not need a copy of the transcript to repeat it here.

The conversation took place between national radio sports talk host Jim Rome and his guest, David Feherety of CBS sports golf coverage. Mr. Feherety was once a member of the European PGA Tour, and member of the bi-annual Ryder Cup team, a winner of dozens of European Tour events, and has been a live commentator on CBS' broadcasts for at least 10 years, perhaps longer. He is the genuine article...glib, hilarious, intelligent, and spontaneous. He speaks in a deep Irish accent, and provides warmth and energy to any conversation he is part of, to include his on-air broadcasts.

Feherety went on a USO mission with Hall of Fame golfer Tom Watson, Tiger Woods' teacher Butch Harmon, former British Open champion Tom Lehman, and 2 senior tour players.

The conversation yesterday eventually got around to the host asking Feherety how his recent (December 2007) trip to Iraq was, and this is what transpired:

Rome: So David, how was Iraq?

Feherety: It was the most emotional 8 days of my life. As God is my witness, I have never been around a more extraordinary group of people than the United States service men and women. When I went there, I was fully expecting to see thousands of demoralized, desperate human beings. I mean, the blanket of coverage by the media tells us daily of the misery these people are in. But when I got there - much to my delight and surprise - I found this to be the exact opposite. These men and women were upbeat, resolute, professionally courteous, and genuinely appreciative of my presence and in turn their role in Iraq. They didn't want to leave; they wanted to win, and they were adamant about me telling everyone back home about it. Let me make this clear: These were not soldiers led around by the nose and appointed to talk to us. There were no restrictions on whom we could converse with, and therefore we spoke freely with everyone.

Rome: Tell me more.

Feherety: Well, first of all, I was terrified to be in Anbarh province. We flew everywhere by Huey helicopter with Cobra gunship helicopter escorts. We wore full flack jackets and helmets, and it was nervy, to say the least. But when you are being protected by the United States Marine Corps, there is a certain calm that overcomes you; and you realize your in perfectly capable hands.

Rome: They tell me you got to see Saddam's palace.

Feherety: Yes, I even got to use his golden toilet. Left him a present too.

Rome: You left him a present (laughs)? I would think he wouldn't want such a present.

Feherety: Well, it was more symbolic than anything.

Rome: How long were you there?

Feherety: 8 days total. I don't know if you know this, but I suffer from mild depression and cannot sleep. I would be up wandering around at 3 am, and that's when I spoke to most soldiers and marines. I be in the mess hall chatting, out in the open chatting, got into a poker game in a tent and had a blast, even sat guard with two marines. Jim, these are the most extraordinary, intelligent, motivated, and professional people in the entire Unites States, without a doubt. Unfortunately, the closer the population gets the Washington, DC. the dumber it gets.

Rome: It put it all in focus for you, didn't it?

Feherety: Let me tell you what did, Jim. We were in Basra, awaiting our flight to Saudi Arabia. Just before we got airborne, we were told we were going to make a quick stop at Bilal airbase to do some "HR". We had no idea what HR was until we arrived a Bilal. It's important to note that we were on a C5 aircraft, which is the most monumental thing you'll ever see in your life. When any aircraft settles down at a combat airfield, they leave their engines running unless this is their final destination. We got down, the aircraft settled in, and shut the engines off entirely. The back hatch groaned open, and we all figured out immediately what HR was:

Human Remains.

The air force task force gently lowered the flag draped casket onto the C5 hatch, stepped back and saluted, then a set of pulleys and gears gently lowered the casket into the airplane right between where we were sitting. Jim, when we landed, F16's were roaring overhead constantly. As the honor guard did for this casket what they did, I could see the F16's overhead, but strangely I couldn't hear them any more. We all watched in reverent silence as the impromptu ceremony took place, and then sat shocked as the casket came inside with us. We were informed that we did not have a casket - rather, another passenger. We all nodded our understanding, and soon we were off. I turned to look at Tom Watson, and he immediately turned away, his eyes flooded with tears. Another one of the golfers was weeping....yes weeping...that is the only way to describe it. The next morning, I was home. And I felt alone and guilty.

Rome (his voice clearly cracking): Ummmm, yes. I can see that.

The conversation went back to the minutia of golf and sports, but the impact had been made. David Feherety....like everyone else who goes there...left with a 180 degree opposite opinion than that displayed on our nightly tv's and morning newspapers.

Comedian Jeffery Ross made a movie about his trip, and he too was similarly moved. It's an excellent watch, and I highly recommend it.

God Bless David Feherety, Tom Watson, Jeffrey Ross and anyone else who has the courage and the fortitude to go over there to see and entertain for themselves. Perhaps the NY Times needs to organize a field trip as well.

Peace