Clive Cussler, Sandra Brown, Kathy Reichs, Mark Bowden and Andrew Peterson have much more in common than their membership in the International Thriller Writers (ITW). These five authors traveled to Afghanistan earlier this month for week-long USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour designed to boost the morale of American troops.

Cussler, Brown, Reichs, Bowden and Peterson began their tour Nov. 4, 2011, visiting with hundreds of Marines, soldiers, airmen, sailors and reservists. To express their gratitude to the troops for their service, the writers shared copies of their books, signed autographs and posed for photos.

Brown and Reichs’ involvement in the tour marked the first time the USO has ever sent female authors to a combat zone. As the USO website reveals, both authors expressed their appreciation for this opportunity.

Reichs stated, "Being here has shown me that my temporary discomfort is nothing compared to the daily sacrifices made by our members of service. I see young men barely out of high school. Young women barely tall enough to keep the barrels of their M-16's from touching the ground. Gray-haired civilian contractors working to build infrastructure. They are all truly impressive."

Brown shared that sentiment. "It's been my aim to thank each one I meet, to tell him or her in person how much their contribution and sacrifice means to the American people," she said, adding, "The irony is that they've been thanking us! They've been so appreciative of our coming. I – all of us in the group – have been moved by the welcome we've received, especially in some of the remote bases where 'visitors' are extremely rare."

Operation Thriller II marks the second annual trip by ITW authors to the Middle East. Steve Berry, David Morrell, Douglas Preston, James Rollins and Andy Harp launched an inaugural tour in 2010.