The black and white photo of Sgt. John Ross in a camouflage uniform as a younger man that he includes in his care packages is an actual photo from Drew Carey's service in the U.S. Marine Corps.
The medals Sgt. Ross is wearing in his photo are the Navy & Marine Commendation medal, Prisoner of War medal, Marine Good Conduct medal, and the National Defense Service medal. The ribbons he wears to the left in the photo are: Navy Unit Commendation ribbon, Navy Sea Service ribbon, and the Fleet Marine Force ribbon. The latter two are out of order.
During his interrogation, shock jock Whit Dexter asks, "Gary Cooper over there got anything to say?" referring to Gibbs as he silently observes McGee's questioning from the corner. Actor Mark Harmon considers Gary Cooper his acting idol, whom he credits in part for his quiet, understated method.
Guest star Drew Carey is reunited with series regular Pauley Perrette. Their characters Drew and Darcy dated on The Drew Carey Show (1995) during Season 4.