The Baghdad Bad Boys was founded by Lt. Colonel Gregory Rawlings, XVIII ABN Corps, while on his second tour of duty in Iraq, after tours in Afghanistan and Kosovo, in 2008. Created as a means for coalition troops to come together and both support each other as well as bring a taste of home to military personnel stationed at Camp Victory in Iraq during 2nd Iraq War. According to Lt. Col. Rawlings, “The group exists to provide an outlet for the folks here who are working 12-18 hours a day and getting shot at.”
Accepting all comers from beginners to the musical virtuosos, the Baghdad Bad Boys have garnered attention from just as wide a range of devotees. General David Patraeus, Commander of Central Command, Ryan Crocker, Ambassador to Iraq have both attended events of Baghdad Bad Boys. Patches and stickers can be seen on everything from jackets and hats, to military ordinance.
One member is on a Route Clearance Team whose job is to look for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Others include a surgical nurse, a targeting specialist, engineers, a chaplain, and an army psychiatrist. As told in John Santa’s “Baghdad Bad Boys” the "bond that only we share" has created friendships that will last a lifetime.
Stateside newspapers, blogs, and even clips on you tube are furthering the fame of the Baghdad Bad Boys. Of special note is their desire to give back to others even while they themselves are in harm’s way. On January 31, 2009, the Baghdad Bad Boys will be participating from Iraq in the RDU Session Players 6th Annual Marathon Jam to raise money for The Fisher House, an organization that provides lodging to the families of servicemen who have been wounded and are receiving medical treatment away from home. 2008’s Marathon Jam raised over $10,500 for Fayetteville, North Carolina’s Fisher House. Due to their military responsibilities, the Baghdad Bad Boys will only be able to play for 6 of the 12 hours of the Marathon Jam, however even with the time differences B3 will be playing at least three hours in synch with those around the United States during the Marathon Jam.
We work in a palace, we sleep in a shack
We meet every Friday to play a few songs
But all we really want to do is go home...*
*excerpt from the song The Baghdad Bad Boys by John Santa from the album The Blessing Of The Strings by EIGHTwentythree. (c) 2008 Blue Seven Productions. Used by permission.
Site by David W. (Whit) Kenney, (c) 2009