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Entertainers Put On A Show For Troops In Southwest Asia
(December 13, 2009) |
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Kid Rock performs for a live audience of deployed servicemembers Dec. 6, 2009 at an airbase in Southwest Asia. Tour for Troops 2009 will visit various deployed locations throughout Southwest Asia and Europe and is sponsored by the Air Force Reserve Command. U.S. Air Force photo/Tech Sgt. Jason W. Edwards |
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SOUTHWEST ASIA (12/9/2009 - AFNS) -- A "kid"
kept servicemembers entertained for hours here
Dec. 6: triple-platinum recording artist Kid
Rock.
Kid Rock brought his Twisted Brown Trucker Band,
along with comedian Carlos Mencia and singer
songwriter Jessie James, here as part of Tour
for the Troops 2009.
The Tour for the Troops 2009 is sponsored by the
Air Force Reserve Command.
"This is a real concert, just like one that you
would get back home from us," Mr. Mencia said.
This is the third time Mr. Mencia participated
in Tour for the Troops.
"I don't feel like it's a big deal; it's the
least we can do," he said when asked why he
joined the tour. "With the sacrifices made by
these troops, I'd do it any time they ask."
As a comedian, Mr. Mencia sometimes has hecklers
in his stateside venues.
Not so with military audiences, he said.
"I've never been heckled out here, because these
guys are just so happy that we're here," Mr.
Mencia said. "These are the best crowds I've
ever performed in front of." |
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"This is my sixth deployment to the (area of responsibility)
and will by far be the most memorable one," said Master Sgt.
Frank Sills of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Command
Post.
This tour is Kid Rock's fifth supporting the troops in
Southwest Asia.
"That says a lot about his character and support for the
military," Sergeant Sills said. "My hat's off to all of
them."
Jessie James said she appreciated the opportunity the tour
allows to give back to the troops.
"If (the troops) were not here, I don't think I would be
able to perform back in the U.S. because I don't believe any
of us would have the freedoms we have if these (servicemembers)
were not over here," she said. "It's really rewarding to
come out here and thank them personally."
Ms. James understands the military lifestyle, having spent
her childhood with a father in the Air Force.
"I've traveled to so many different places and lived in 14
different spots," she said. "Everything's influenced my
music."
Enjoying the music among the more than 4,000 fans were two
busloads of servicemembers from a nearby Army post on rest
and relaxation passes from various units throughout the U.S.
Central Command area of responsibility.
The R&R program is geared to help servicemembers have a
brief respite from the rigors of combat so they can
effectively accomplish their mission when they return to
their units.
Army Master Sgt. Renee Anker is on R&R from Joint Base Balad,
Iraq, and a fan of Kid Rock.
"He's so multitalented with the different genres he covers,"
she said. "He's also from Michigan, which is close to home
for me."
Army Staff Sgt. Priscilla Sanchez, the NCO in charge of the
R&R program, said that trips to see concerts like this are a
great surprise for the servicemembers.
Sergeant Anker agreed. "I didn't expect it," she said as she
cheered Kid Rock on, "but I love it!" | |
By USAF Sr. Airman David Dobrydney
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Copyright 2009
Reprinted from
Air Force News Service
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