Chuck Norris roundhouse kicks Camp Baharia

by Lance Cpl. Stephen McGinnis

Chuck Norris doesn't raise morale. He roundhouse kicks it into the stratosphere.

Chuck Norris shakes hands of Lance Cpl. Robert S. Ortega, a 23-year-old rifleman from Saginaw, Mich. Ortega, assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion 24th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, met Norris when the actor took the time to go to the wounded center to speak with injured Marines who could not make out to see him. (photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen McGinnis)

Just ask Marines from 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment. Chuck Norris, famed action movie star and martial arts expert, visited the Marines base here, near Fallujah, Nov.1.

"I just wanted to see the morale of the men and women serving in the places that most people don't want to visit," Norris said. "You hear so much back in the states, and I wanted to see it first hand, and this was the way for me to do that."

Aside from a history of starring in military-themed movies, Norris has a long-standing history with the uniformed services. Norris served in the Air Force and lost a brother in the Vietnam War.

Now he's doing his part to support Marines and sailors in Al Anbar Province. He made several stops, including one here.

Norris flew into Camp Baharia, stepping off Blackhawk helicopters with an entourage. Actor Marshall Teague, who starred in movies such as "Roadhouse" and "The Rock," accompanied Norris throughout Iraq to greet Marines. The visit was made possible through the USO.

Marines mobbed Norris the minute he exited the helicopter. Marines reached out to shake his hand and possibly get a photo with him, some even asking if Norris would roundhouse kick them.

"One of the main reasons I joined the Marine Corps is from seeing movies like 'Delta Force' growing up," said Sgt. Greaghton L. Short, a 26-year-old armorer from Higginsville, Mo. "I wanted to do that kind of stuff. Getting to see him in person was great."

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