Photo By Spc. Micah Clare | Army Pfc. Britney Townsel wins a guitar signed by country-music singer Toby Keith when...... read more read more
By Army Pfc. Micah E. Clare
Task Force Fury Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan — Country singer Toby Keith performed May 19 treating service members to some well-earned entertainment and something even more valuable, a rousing display of homeland support.
Hundreds of service members started lining up two hours before the concert to see Keith's performance.
"I've wanted to see this guy since I was 13," said Army Pfc. Tristan P. Winter, a forward observer in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. "He's my favorite country music singer, and I'm so excited to finally be able to see him."
When the concert finally started, the large tent was packed with fans, some waving American flags and wearing cowboy hats.
As he came on stage, Keith was met with thunderous applause and cheers.
"This is to all of you, when you're rolling out at night watching each other's back," he said, starting out the night's entertainment.
Keith, whose father was an Army veteran, said he grew up with respect for the military ingrained in him and tries to show his appreciation any chance he gets.
"I've got a lot of admiration for these guys and girls out on these bases who are getting out in the mud," he said.
His multiple tours with United Services Organizations show his commitment.
"This is his fifth combat tour," said Rachel M. Tischler, USO director of entertainment. "He's been all over, not only in Iraq and Afghanistan, but in Cuba, Kosovo, Africa, Italy, Germany and Belgium."
Despite his many performances, this particular tour brought something extra to his fans.
"This is the furthest I've ever brought a five or six (member) band," Keith said. "They wanted to take a little run, so I brought them out here."
"The fact that he came all the way to FOB Salerno is just really awesome," said Army Staff Sgt. Matt Langseth, a tactical operations center non-commissioned officer in charge in the 1st Battalion, 285th Infantry Brigade, Attack Reconnaissance Battalion. "It's good to know we're supported by people back in the States, by Keith and by country music."
Other service members also appreciated Keith's patriotism and pride in the sacrifices made by our nation's military.
"He's not afraid to say what he thinks," said Army Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Boyce, an air hammer operator in the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade. "He really showed his anger after 9/11, and he didn't try being politically correct about it. I really respect that."
Keith saluted the military audience with his hit songs "American Soldier," and "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," songs reflecting his feelings on fighting the enemies of freedom.
After the closing song and amid a standing ovation, the command team of the 82nd Airborne Division's Task Force Fury presented Keith with a parting gift: an 82nd Airborne Division plaque and a United States flag that was flown over Afghanistan.
"Here's a small token of appreciation for bringing some American freedom to us here at FOB Salerno," said Task Force Fury commander Army Col. Martin Schweitzer.
The evening's show did much to lift the spirits of the troops who attended.
"Sometimes you wonder how much support you have back home," said Army Sgt. Jeremy Vandenburg, a battle NCO in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Airborne Field Artillery Regiment. "This really shows me that what I'm doing out here is appreciated, that people back home really do care."
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2007 08:33 |
| Story ID: | 10455 |
| Location: | KHOST, AF |
| Web Views: | 1,120 |
| Downloads: | 794 |
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