Scott Anderson, U.S. Soldier, Uses Magic Tricks To Cheer Up Children In War-Torn Afghanistan And Iraq

When Scott Anderson began his first tour of duty as a MedEvac pilot in Afghanistan, he had no idea he would be able to use his talent for performing magic tricks to brighten the lives of children in the war-torn country. Anderson first realized the impact his tricks could have when he found himself struggling to cheer up a five-year-old Afghani boy in the hospital. Anderson quickly discovered his favorite hobby -- magic -- could transcend the language barrier and bring a smile to the boy's face.

On subsequent tours of duty, Anderson has performed his magic tricks to entertain children, his fellow soldiers and even entire villages in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

NBC Nightly News reports from Anderson's hometown in Oregon.

WATCH:

Comments

[amazinggrace]

08:17 PM on 04/08/2010

I love stories such as this one. An act of kindness, a little magic can bring happiness to war torn areas.

Heart warming and so human. Thanks, HP for sharing this story.

[themainpoint]

11:25 AM on 04/08/2010

Sweet.

[plaidsportcoat]

12:48 PM on 04/07/2010

YAY! Awesome.

[moose and squirrel]

04:01 AM on 04/07/2010

mr. anderson, you're a good egg.

[ocheeky1]

02:15 PM on 04/05/2010

that brought tears to my eyes.
How important it is to be able to make so many people smile, especially in this situation :)

[PresidentRobertBooth]

01:37 PM on 04/05/2010

Mr Anderson, you're a diamond, mate.

[dresdengirl]

05:11 PM on 04/04/2010

What a great story. This should be on the front page. Bless you Scott Anderson. Keep save and keep up the good work.

[fridakahlofan]

04:31 PM on 04/04/2010

The ability to give of ourselves, to love another human being is endless. To touch a child or "an entire villag" is something that comes from the heart.

[ConcernedAboutRFuture]

09:49 PM on 04/03/2010

Thank you for bringing something so good into a situation that is so bad. You're a great guy.

[nybirdcalls]

12:54 PM on 04/03/2010

Wonderful, touching story! Great..

[hubbahubba77]

07:55 AM on 04/03/2010

What a great story! And what a great guy!

[nybirdcalls]

12:54 PM on 04/03/2010

x2!

[timetocookdinner]

11:36 PM on 04/02/2010

Thanks for a little good news..so sweet

[yamaniyama]

06:30 PM on 04/02/2010

Beautiful! God bless you Scott Anderson!