Today is Tommy Evans’ 32nd birthday, so I wanted to give a bit of a shout-out to the guy who has been Michael’s producer ever since Michael joined CNN two years ago. They first worked together in Beirut during the month-long war there (and oh, how I would love to have heard the conversation when one of them — and I confess I suspect it was Michael — decided it would be a good idea to head into the Bekaa Valley!) and then went from there straight into Baghdad. They also worked together in Pakistan earlier this year and of course the Rugby World Cup in France last fall.
Anyway, I have a page on the site with a whole lot of pics and videos. And most exciting, Tommy’s first video report from Baghdad, which was done for International just three days ago and is an update on the Status of Forces Agreement.
(I must admit that I was so stunned at finally seeing Tommy in front of the camera that it took me three viewings before I heard what he scooped in this piece:
“The Iraqi government is willing to extend the UN mandate which legitimizes the US mission in Iraq until a final agreement can be signed.”
Extend the mandate? Since it expires at the end of the year, that would translate to “…until there is a new US president.” Wow.)
Anyway, let’s lift a cold one for the guy who watches Michael’s back. And probably has to deal with the screaming phone calls from New York when Michael has called some muckety-muck delusional. Again. (Naaaahh… That would NEVER happen!)
21 responses so far ↓
mavis // July 5, 2008 at 6:42 am |
Tommy,
It’s nice to see you up in front of the camera. You have a natural presence for Video.
I can’t wrap my heart or mind around what war must be like. I live in a safe home, in a safe neighborhood. We need brave people like you to keep us informed.
When Jodi, Cynthia and I were in Washington in April to hear Michael, we were hoping we might get to meet you too. Maybe next time.
Enjoy your day and stay safe.
mwmcfan // July 5, 2008 at 7:50 am |
Happy Birthday Tommy!! There are many of us Mick fans that have been cheering you on since you became Mick’s producer. We have been getting glimpes of you at interviews and the rugby games. Also listening to you on the podcast last year and your voice-overs for the Arabic speakers being interviewed (do you do the Arabic translations?).
We wish you all the best on this new journey of reporting in front of the cameras! You did an excellent job with your first piece “Iraq-U.S. negotiations” and we look forward to seeing you more.
You rock Tommy!!
jodi54 // July 5, 2008 at 11:17 am |
Dear Mr. Thomas Evans,
Happy Birthday! The value of reaching the anniversary of another year must be clearer to you, in the war zone, than most other people – including myself.
We rarely hear anything about the nuts and bolts of work in the field …. how does it get done? Who takes the responsibility for what? Who takes the risks? I can only imagine, working along side Michael must be dangerous and demanding. I hope it is also rewarding. I can tell you, it is pivotal for those of us who wait and wonder.
I know you only from vague glimpses, from blog posts, and (now) from your report. But in these brief exposures, please know that you leave a very definite impression – a very positive one. For me, the most lasting have been your blog posts …. please continue to post! Your words have brought us to an understanding and an awareness that we would otherwise never have. You have a talent for observing human behavior, as well as a talent for writing. You have shown compassion in your observations – and it makes me think you are a man with a serious mind and strong sense of responsibility.
You don’t flaunt your courage, but the basic facts make it plain. The hardships must tear at your body and mind. All I can do is say “thank you” for doing what you do and doing it so well.
Though many of your admirers you’ll never meet – we are still out here … concerned for your well-being and hoping that you will find our birthday wishes a tiny comfort. We’re listening to you … and your wealth of supporters is much larger than you know.
In all sincerity, to quote mwmcfan – You rock Tommy!
jodi54 // July 5, 2008 at 12:21 pm |
BTW, this is a sample of the conditions Tommy gets to enjoy for his birthday, but don’t worry, it’s suppose to get warmer later in the week:
Hi: 113°Lo: 82°Sunny. Extremely hot, Dry. Temperature of 113°F. Winds 14mph WNW. Humidity will be 6% with a dewpoint of 30° and comfort level of 106°F. There is a 0% chance of precipitation.
delie // July 5, 2008 at 1:17 pm |
Tommy,
Happy birthday! Yes, I know. I should be ashamed for a so short message but the former comments have left me speechless! I could be more talkative in French though… I will « summarize » the others: please, continue to blog, we love your posts! We would love to hear more from you. Enjoy your day… or night. Stay safe! And as Mwmcfan definitely got it : you rock, Tommy!
Joyeux anniversaire!
lizmd // July 5, 2008 at 2:12 pm |
Happy Birthday Tommy!!
Everyone else expressed beautifully and perfectly how I feel and what you mean to everyone.
I hope you have a joyous day, considering. Remain safe and continue to file more excellent reports. You are a true asset!
I agree completely with my fellow DMs: You Rock!
maxie1218 // July 5, 2008 at 5:45 pm |
All the best Tommy! Thanks to your dedication and hard work, we are able to get a better understanding of Iraq and all of its complexities.
Stay safe and enjoy some well deserved time off!! (Hopefully)
jodi54 // July 6, 2008 at 12:33 pm |
Does anyone know any specifics about our birthday boy? He looks very tall – anyone know how tall?
If he worked as a producer for 360, he certainly lived in or around New York, but is he from New York?
Are these security sensitive questions? LOL
cnngirl // July 7, 2008 at 6:21 am |
Happy Belated Birthday, Tommy! Thanks for all you to do make Michael & CNN look good. Your humor and spark shine through in many ways–it’s about time we finally get to see you in front of the camera (here’s to hoping there will be many more opportunities)! Keep up the great work and hope you found time to celebrate!
jeffev // October 1, 2008 at 3:53 pm |
Tommy –
Happy (belated) birthday – okay, I got to wish you a happy b-day directly on the day, but I didn’t know about this website! Very amusing. I guess you’re famous now – or infamous. Keep up the good work – glad to see you’ve put all those years in bars in Asia to good use – decades of drunk Aussies have really helped your translation career!
- Your shorter, but better-looking brother.
jodi54 // October 1, 2008 at 9:20 pm |
Welcome jeffev! Thanks for posting.
What do you think of the Tommy Appreciation page? Were we admiring enough?
mwmcfan // October 19, 2008 at 1:38 pm |
It was interesting to hear Tommy doing a voice over again yesterday. Does anyone know if Tommy does the Arabic translation too? The way he paces his voice over makes it seem that he knows what the Arabic speaking people are saying.
Tommy is multi-talented! Glad to hear your back in Baghdad again Tommy. Stay safe.
jodi54 // October 22, 2008 at 1:20 pm |
Chez Pazienza (former CNN producer) wrote a witty piece on his blog about the challeges of having to deal with “the public” and mentioned his perspective on Field Producers. Thought I’d post it here (with Cyn’s permission) as a tribute to Tommy:
“Field producers are often called upon not only to interact with the average man on the street, but occasionally to placate, cajole, strong-arm, sweet-talk or perform whatever other action might be necessary to get him to say or do what will make their story work so that they can get it done and return to the important business of drinking themselves to death. “
jodi54 // October 28, 2008 at 12:10 pm |
Does anyone know where our intrepid field producer is? With all the talk of trauma to our soldiers – an extremely important issue – there has been no mention of the trauma to those covering the wars and catastrophes.
What must Tommy being going through when his job has consisited of going from one scene of death and destruction to another. I hope he has the courage to seek help if he needs it.
How tough it must be to push your emotions to the side …. to look for the truth in events around you. You can’t help much …. you can’t change much … and that isn’t even your job. You just have to witness, discern, search, double-check and report – whenever possible. What does that do to your heart? (The figurative one as well as the literal one.)
Wherever you are Tommy, I hope you’re well.
desperateforausername // October 29, 2008 at 2:53 pm |
Take it from someone who knows: Tommy is not the one drinking himself to death. Tommy is in Baghdad, he is Bureau Chief, working hard…the sanest man in Iraq.
cyn // October 29, 2008 at 6:05 pm |
desperate, I had no idea Tommy had been named Bureau Chief! That’s fantastic! Thanks for the info… and Congrats, Tommy!
mwmcfan // October 29, 2008 at 6:29 pm |
desperateforausername, thank you so much for telling us Tommy is Baghdad Bureau Chief now!! Congratulations to Tommy!! This is wonderful, he works so hard.
jodi54 // October 29, 2008 at 6:54 pm |
Welcome desperateforausername! Thanks for this amazing information. Bureau Chief? Really? Congratulations Tommy. You have impressed me every step of the way – now more than ever.
Not sure if being the sanest man in Iraq is high praise; you may not have a wealth of competition there. Working hard? I never doubted it for a moment.
Having the commitment to stay in Baghdad fits completely with my long-held impressions of the talented Mr. Evans. Intelligence, courage and productivity does get rewarded … (assuming that he considers still being in Baghdad as a reward). LOL Just hope that when he needs to leave, he will.
Tommy’s talent was easy to spot once our attention was focused in his direction by Cynthia (who made sure that we all paid attention to his contributions).
mavis // October 29, 2008 at 7:54 pm |
WELCOME desperateforausername!
We all are happy to know that Tommy has been assigned Baghdad Bureau Chief.
Tommy, you are another trusted voice in a very unsettled situation.
delie // October 30, 2008 at 7:19 am |
Thanks for the info, Desperate, and welcome!
Congratulations to Tommy!
mwmcfan // November 5, 2008 at 12:35 am |
In reaction to Tommy’s comment posted tonight on the ac360 blog. I can understand how the Iraqi’s might not have hope that President-elect Obama might not have a positive impact on their country. But here in the States we have a lot of hope tonight that we are witnessing a new direction for our country that will turn the tide on the nightmare of the last eight years. We have much optimism that things will become better in Iraq and peace and prosperity will come to their country and our new President-elect will help to make that happen.