AFE Tour Blog Day 7: Camp Bonifas

The bus came and picked us up at 8:45 this morning. We drove a few blocks to a USO facility where we got our Military ID’s and then headed over to pick up our equipment for this leg of the tour. After that we went back to the hotel, grabbed some lunch, and spent the afternoon taking naps, doing paperwork, trying to learn Korean, etc....Around 2 p.m. the bus came back and picked us up. We drove north to Camp Bonifas which is located about a mile and a half from the North Korea/South Korea border and the DMZ. We had to go through all kinds of security checkpoints and roadblocks to get there but we arrived safely. One of the first “eerie” moments of the trip happened as we all exited the bus to the sound of gunfire in the distance. We never did find out anything about it but we are assuming it was just practice.

We loaded in to the venue, set up, sound-checked, ate dinner, and then were informed that there was a scheduling conflict on base and the show was going to be moved back awhile so more people could come. That allowed us about an hour and a half to hang out. This hour and a half proved to be the most informative hour and a half this band has ever experienced. Sgt. Shattuck and Staff Sgt. Mitchley gave us a presentation on the history of the area, the conflicts between North and South Korea, Camp Bonifas, KPA Bob, and much, much, more. This was the first time I have ever seen this group of guys dead silent and focused on one thing. It really was amazing.

We played the show to one of the most attentive and enthusiastic groups of people we could ever ask for. After the show we took pictures, signed some autographs, and just hung out with really great people. They all had to be up at 3:30 a.m. and still hung out til we were forced to leave. We loaded out, drove back to Seoul, and got ready for day two in Korea.

Quote of the Day:
"You smell like Rock!!!" (after John apologized for being sweaty and smelly after the show)