Gunny Scarlett

In the credit-where-credit’s-due department, give a cheer for Scarlett Johansson, the Hollywood film actress and Bush-administration critic. She shelved her political positions in order to brighten the day for a lucky group of Marines, and got a set of stripes for her visit:

If anyone has wondered what can make a battle hardened Marine act like a love-struck high-schooler, the answer is simple—a meet and greet with Scarlett Johansson.
The 23-year-old bombshell met with nearly 600 service members at Camp Buehring, Kuwait Jan. 20 during her five-day United Service Organizations (USO) tour to the Gulf region.
Hundreds of Marines and sailors from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit put on their best smiles as they waited anxiously to get a glimpse of the Hollywood actress.
“I’m a huge Scarlett fan,” said Lance Cpl. Nathan Long, a calibration technician with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (REIN), 11th MEU. “When I found out she was coming, I couldn’t believe it. All I thought about was that I needed to meet her.”

Plenty of celebrities put aside partisan politics to support the troops through the USO. It’s good to see Johansson join in keeping morale high among our volunteers. Some of the others may not generate the same kind of morale boost but should also be noted:

Recent USO tours have featured Robin Williams, Drew Carey, Toby Keith, David Letterman, Charles Barkley, Kid Rock, Jessica Simpson, Leeann Tweeden, John Elway, Rascal Flatts, Gary Sinise, Ludacris, James Avery, Tito Puente Jr., Wayne Newton, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, James Gandolfini and Morgan Freeman.

Thanks to all of them. And the Marine with a lipstick imprint on his cheek in the Corps’ picture gallery may have some explaining to do when he rotates homeward …. (via Michelle Malkin)