By Danielle DeSimone
When Hurricane Michael tore through Florida this past October, it devastated Tyndall Air Force Base. Although all 11,000 airmen and their families were safely evacuated before the storm, Hurricane Michael’s damage was so extensive that a majority of the base infrastructure and all on-base housing for military families were destroyed. For the past few months, service members and base personnel have been putting in long days rebuilding the base and salvaging as much equipment as they can, which has taken its toll on those service members who are working long hours under tough conditions. The relief that magician and illusionist David Blaine provided when he toured the base last November was magical in itself. Blaine’s surprise visit was sponsored by the USO.
Blaine acknowledged that the conditions of Tyndall Air Force Base were what drove him to participate on this USO tour. “It’s an unusual situation because this base was so devastated by the storm,” he said. “Which is why I wanted to come to this base so badly.”
Service members are rebuilding Tyndall Air Force Base in the wake of Hurricane Michael’s destruction.
Service members are rebuilding Tyndall Air Force Base in the wake of Hurricane Michael’s destruction.
Service members are rebuilding Tyndall Air Force Base in the wake of Hurricane Michael’s destruction.
“People were telling me it was very bad, then I saw the pictures. When I actually came back it was way worse, there is no way you can describe it, it was just destroyed everywhere. [Upon returning to base] I was living in the tents,“ said Airman 1st Class Ashley Deliz-Aguilera. "Being back at Tyndall is different in that I am not doing the things that I used to do before, now we are helping each other with everything that we can. There’s no more sticking to just your [duties], you are going to get out of your comfort zone and do things you don’t normally do.”
Blaine toured the base, visiting the firehouse and Exchange to perform magic and illusions with his signature street magic tricks for service members and military families. The performances brought a moment of relaxation and fun to service members who have been working around the clock to rebuild the base.
“I’ve been doing magic for the military [for years], I’ve been to Iraq and Afghanistan, and just the idea of doing magic to people who are sacrificing their lives day-to-day to help our country – it’s something I love doing, and I also always love their reactions,” he said, explaining what it’s like to perform for military audiences. “You’ve got large groups of people that normally have a serious demeanor, but then all the sudden you see them pop and become little kids, laughing and running around, so it’s always one of my favorite performances.”
David Blaine entertains service members and military families with magic tricks and illusions on Tyndall Air Force Base, which was devastated by Hurricane Michael in October 2018.
As service members and their families continued to deal with the devastation of Hurricane Michael through the holidays, this surprise visit by Blaine to the base was a welcome break. For many service members, it’s small moments like these, delivered by the USO and performers’ generous donation of their time, that make their holidays all the more special.
“Whenever you have a chance to go out and surprise people or do something that you love to do, this is a great group of people to perform for,” said Blaine. “They’re very gracious and happy, and they’re all very excited and great to perform to.”
Every day, America’s service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Please take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.
