Cher: ‘I support the troops’
 Steve Mraz / S&S Cher poses last week with a shirt signed by troops in the Kaiserslautern, Germany, military community. The singer/actress discussed her views about the war in Iraq, troops and more during a sit-down interview with Stars and Stripes.
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During her visit to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, Cher sat down with Stars and Stripes for 15 minutes to explain why she made the trip, how she can be against the war in Iraq but for the troops, and why she’s going to Iraq — just not during summertime.
It didn’t take much prying to get the timeless singer and Oscar-winning actress to speak her mind. Below are excerpts from the interview. United Service Organizations helped coordinate Cher’s visit to Landstuhl.
You recorded the “If I Could Turn Back Time” video on the USS Missouri in that jaw-dropping outfit. Now you’ve given $130,000 to Operation Helmet. You’ve been to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Now you’re here at Landstuhl. What’s your connection to the military? Why do you do it?
Well, I’m actually not sure. I didn’t start out to do it. I told these guys a story that happened to me when I was back in the Vietnam days where I got this MIA (missing in action) bracelet. I wore it for a long time. Almost the whole time I was doing “The Sonny and Cher Show.” My guy was named Lieutenant Hayden Lockhart Jr. I just wore it. I’m not even sure my whole heart was in it. I just really started wearing it because it was kind of the thing to do. And then, I kind of got into it. …
And then I met him. He came on the show, and I got to give him back the bracelet. So since then, I started going to hospitals. There’s a VA (Veterans Affairs) hospital in California. Then I was on tour and went to Walter Reed. Then, I was totally hooked.
’Round about when was that?
A year and a half ago, something like that. I got involved in the Intrepid Fund (which will construct a training center for troops disabled during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq). I couldn’t believe they were having a hard time getting money for that. So I kind of got involved in that. And then, one of my dearest friends is a man named Lou Dobbs, who has a TV show on CNN. He and I were talking about the war all the time. Even though we had different views on it, I love him. So it would be interesting for me to get his views as opposed to arguing.
After visiting Walter Reed, then Bethesda (home to the National Naval Medical Center) and Walter Reed again — after meeting these guys and the women too — I’m just so shocked that there are still people in the country like that because a lot of the kids that I come in contact with, they’re still very — it’s not exactly that they’re selfish; they just don’t have any concept of what the kids in the military are doing and what it’s about to actually go someplace where you could possibly lose your life.
The things that I’ve seen at Walter Reed and the things that I’ve seen at Bethesda are much worse than the things I saw in the Vietnam times. There are more of them that I actually have come in contact with, and the injuries are so bad. Then I talked to Dr. (Bob) Meaders — the whole thing about the helmet fund. I just got involved. Then I went to Washington, D.C., and it just keeps going. I met somebody there. I don’t know who is he is.
(Landstuhl commander) Col. (Bryan) Gamble, maybe?
He must be a big guy because everybody was like, “Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir.” Yeah. I was too stupid to know, but he was like, “Cher, you’ve got to come to so and so.” I’m like, “Alright.” And here I am.
What’s been your impression of the troops here you’ve talked to?
It’s not different than the other ones I’ve talked to. They want to get better to get back to their unit. The main thing that people say is they want to get better. They want to go back. Obviously, I can’t speak for them, but it seems to me that going back to their buddies is more important than almost anything else. Going back to their group. Going back to their unit. Going back to their friends. It happened today and it happened a lot at Walter Reed.
It’s been quoted that you’re against the war in Iraq but for the troops. Explain that. Help me understand that. How can you be against the war but for the troops?
I don’t have to be for this war to support the troops because these men and women do what they think is right. They do what they’re told to do. They do it with a really good heart. They do the best they can. They don’t ask for anything.
They just do what they’re supposed to do. So, my beef is not with them at all. I want to go to Baghdad; I’m really excited about doing that. I don’t want to go in the summer, however. I want to go when it cools down a little bit.…
Is that plan in the works right now?
It’s hard. I was supposed to be brought here by the congressmen, but if I waited for them, I wouldn’t be here. I really came because (Col. Gamble) said come over there. I want to go to Baghdad and this congressman asked me if I wanted to go. I said yes. `
Will you do any performing there?
Just talking and going to meet the guys. I’d like to go outside of the Green Zone. I’d like to go to other places. …
Why would you do that?
It would be really exciting for me to go and see people who don’t expect to see anybody. Also, it seems really — when I say this it’s going to sound dumb — but it seems like the least you could do. People are there. They’re fighting. Even though I don’t believe in the war, if they’re there, they’re fighting, it seems like it would be a good place to be.
Talk about Operation Helmet and what the goal is there.
Dr. Meaders was just trying to do something for his grandson and then for his grandson’s squad. People started hearing about it. I guess other squads … were in contact with them and that’s when he formed the thing. He could no longer afford it by himself and just started getting donations.
I’m very disappointed in the amount of support that the soldiers are getting from the people back home. It’s kind of like it’s just a thing you hear on the news, and nobody does anything. Where is everybody?
Should we expect to see any more military-centric music videos with you wearing provocative outfits?
(Laughing) I think those days are over for me. It just happened that we were on that boat, and it was great. All these sailors were so funny because they all kept calling me “ma’am” as well. It was so weird. Here I am almost naked with all these young sailors, calling me “ma’am.” Actually, we ended up getting along great and laughing the whole time.
… I can’t speak for everyone, but everyone seems to be against the war but not realizing that that’s not good enough. You’ve got to do something besides just be against it. You’ve got to do some helping as well. People have got to get their [expletive] together.
From Stars and Strips
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23 Responses to “Cher: ‘I support the troops’”
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July 16th, 2006 at 9:37 am
Cher the work you are doing with the wounded soldiers is brilliant. You are giving them hope and inspiration. Good for you!!!!!!!!!!!! It is a great pity that a few more talented celebrities cannot get involved alongside you. Go girl, give it all you have got – which is what you always have and will do. I hope you make a big impression on the big men way up high in power, and more importantly that they hear what you are trying to say. Congratulations on your brilliant work. Best wishes from Jan, Jo and Claire, your fans from the U.K. JANJONIC@aol.com
July 16th, 2006 at 11:25 am
GO! Cher GO!Cher GOD! she is so nice to them how cute ^_^
July 17th, 2006 at 7:01 am
This is what I love about Cher, and always have, something her critic’s never get….she is a good
and descent human being. She is talented, she is gorgeoous, she does possess my favorite
voice, but above all else there is the fact that behind all the surface stuff there is a kind soul
who does put her money, and time, where her mouth is. And she doesn’t do things that are safe
or politically correct, and all of it goes for the most part without much credit……she is head and shoulders above someone like Oprah Winfrey for instance, who does everything for the publicity and never rocks the boat if its going to effect her $$ bottom line….she is a fraud. Cher is the real
thing…………..
July 18th, 2006 at 3:21 am
Cher,
Assuming that you are reading this, I just wanted to say that it was so special for me to have met you here at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center here in Germany. As well I truely believe that all of the soldiers really appreciated your presence. Its funny how a few months before I was saying that Col. Gamble needed to get you to visit lol!
Also to meet you and see you as a really laid back down to earth person was special as well. But beyond this for you to make your presance as someone not for the war; but as someone being supportive for the lives involved in it was really special.
I could ramble on and on.. but in the end what I have to say is…. Bless you.
Love
Levi
July 18th, 2006 at 9:14 am
Hey Cher, just been reading about your visit to the hospital for the troops. YES, they have at last decided to write something in a paper over here in England. You are in many ways with regard to your beliefs about war and the troops, somewhat like our own Princess Diana who of course was killed so tragically. She spent a lot of time going to visit hospitals and troops, and of course walking where Land Mines had been set. She was, and still is, very highly thought of by many people over here. Once again, I can only say you are doing an absolutely brilliant thing by supporting the troops and trying to get them the things they need to fight safely. Please be careful though with regard to going to Iraq. Make sure that the big wigs ensure your safety!!!!!!!!! You are a brilliant actress, singer, in fact star who has a heart of gold, as well as being a mother. We can’t wait until you bring your new album out, or to see you at Caesars Palace. Jan, Joanne and Claire – three of your fans from England. JANJONIC@aol.com
July 19th, 2006 at 1:46 am
Hey Cher, what a lovely thing for LEVI to say about your visit!!!! For those poor injured soldiers to be able to meet you must have been a real treat and make them realise that they are being thought about and that someone IS trying to help and support them. Their families, wherever they may be, must also be happy to know someone out there is fighting for them with a view to making them more safe. I know I have said this repeatedly, but what the hell it is true, you are one hell of a human being – devoting so much of your time to this very important subject which obviously means a lot to you. Currently they are evacuating a lot of british people from out of the area being bombed by Iraq – thank goodness they seem to be getting them out of there safely. Had my younger brother still been in the army over here in England, I expect he would have had to become involved in all of this senseless fighting at some point. It always seems to me, watching all about it on the t.v. and reading it in the newspapers, that it is the young, old and innocent who suffer. What a waste of life!!!!!!!! Anyway Cher, you have all of your fans support and backing – not that we can do much, except to support YOU. You are an inspiration to us all and to your fellow performers. Come on you bitches out there, support Cher and the Army who after all are out there fighting for what they believe is right. Help Cher help them to have the correct things they need, and of course to help prevent the dreadful injuries these poor men have to contend with. Maybe if people stopped questioning WHY you are helping them and looked at the bigger picture instead of being bitchy about it, then they might find it in their hearts to make donations themselves. Unfortunately, as a disabled grandmother who has just taken on bringing up two of my grandchildren, I do not have the finances at my disposal to make any donations, if I could, believe me I would. We all get one chance of life and have to make use of that, doing what we believe is right. In this case Cher, you are doing what you consider to be right – and you are totally right. Go girl. See you in 2008 – WE HOPE – love and best wishes to you. From Jan, Joanne and Claire – over here in England. JANJONIC@aol.com
July 19th, 2006 at 7:49 am
ChEr,
I hope that you will remake us to vibrate with new songs soon, you are an exceptional artist, one does not see myself much in France, I will like much to attend one in your concerts, I never had of it the chance, I hope to be able to see you one day, I still bought a new album of you, The Very Best Of, I hope sincerely that you will make us vibrate, I love you so much
July 19th, 2006 at 7:50 am
See my blog, there is full with photograph of Expensive, http://quelsentiments.skyblog.com
July 20th, 2006 at 4:37 pm
i LOVE how Cher helps out with all of these kinds of things, even tho she’s againsts this war (as am i)… it’s such an inspiration!
July 21st, 2006 at 12:41 pm
Oh my Cher, She is God!
July 22nd, 2006 at 10:46 am
cher you are the real thing! stay healthy and well as you travel and see our troops. what an inspiration to help someone get well! you keep making our troops happy!!!
July 23rd, 2006 at 4:22 am
GOD BLESS YOU CHER FOR HELPING MY UNIT GET THE PROTECTED HELMENTS WE SO DESPERET NEEDED OVER HERE IN IRAQ. YOU SAVED MY LIFE
JIMBO
U.S.MARINES
July 23rd, 2006 at 3:02 pm
This is why I lreally ove Cher with all of my heart, becaurse she care about people and doesn’t stop there, she do what we all should – she try to do show her flag and really try to help where she can. Good bless her.
Chers_girl. Denmark.
chers_girl@hotmail.com
If you are gooing to Las Vegas for seeing her i 2008, I would really like to get in contac with someone who would like to meet up there and share fun and with other Cherfans from around the would.
July 24th, 2006 at 5:25 am
What a lovely little Cher Angel
Is this the Croatian flag on this nurses head? why? God… was that me???
August 14th, 2006 at 12:34 pm
Cher is an angel. She is a real people person always ready to help when she can. She makes this world a better place to live in. Luv Ya Cher!
August 15th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
cher is jst totaly amazing and she has a good heart,, shes like the only one who had ever thaught of doing that ,, go cher!!luv ya!
August 23rd, 2006 at 11:13 am
Wow ! Great job ! i think the people were so happy to see Cher, they recovered in one minute ! ( i would )
August 28th, 2006 at 2:38 pm
cher you are verry wonderful y love you a lot
September 5th, 2006 at 6:58 pm
aww i love cher so much!!
long live cher!
September 6th, 2006 at 2:49 pm
u r so great Cher i wish i could meet u me & u would get along great because were both so nice i love u Cher
love
LilCher or Rita
November 7th, 2006 at 4:53 pm
Cher,
If you do read these messages, I’d hope to ask why? I mean no disrespect. But I was too curious, after reading your wants to go to the middle east and to venture out, furthering into dangerous zones. Allot of celebrities have traveled out there and have done various noble deeds and have helped tremendously. But what do you hope to accomplish by submitting yourself into a suicidal position. Zones are set up for a reason. Even the youngest of children are used as amo there. Those people cannot stand Americans. And yes, grant it, there are some people that are just in need of any help they can get. And there are non profits that are specially setup to offer help for them. So what is it, exactly that your looking for? Is it venturing out where others have not?
November 7th, 2006 at 5:09 pm
I hope that you would not take my last comment as an attack. Because it is not. I’m sure that you have nothing but good intentions and want to just help everyone. But I would only hope that you just don’t walk into anything with blind faith.
July 3rd, 2010 at 6:21 am
I have been a fan of you for most of my life and I am 62 years old. I always enjoyed your honesty when being interviewed and certainly enjoy all of our music. I was especially happy to read your interview about our troops. Without them, none of us would be living in a “free” world. I think it is wonderful that you do whatever you can to support them. My husband and I have a very good life and try to give back when and where we can. We recently put together a non-profit organization “Support Our Soldiers” which offers a free discount prescription card for individuals without any insurance. It can be used at over 54,000 participating pharmacies and each time the card is used and a savings is realized, 50 cents goes to a soldier in need. We are having a lot of success with this as many Americans want to do something to help our soldiers. We recently became associated with a Veterans group in Florida who provide housing for the thousands of vertans who are homeless. They provide housing, drug and alcohol rehab and try to find them jobs and get back into the mainstream. That is a wonderful program and one that we are proud to be a part of. We are finding more and more individuals and organizations across the country who want to do something to help and it truly is a heartwarming experience. I want to thank you for all that you do for our boys and hope you will continue to do so. They need to know people care and a high profile person such as yourself is a good way to do that. I wish you the best! P.S. I saw you in concert in Atlantic City several years ago and it was the absolute best….only problem was I had my mother-in-law with me (if you know what I mean). Hope you continue to be successful in all that you do. God Bless!