Brought to you courtesy of the Red, White and Blue - Toby Keith performs concert at VBC with a little less talk and a lot more action

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

05.23.2007

Story by Spc. Laura Bigenho 

28th Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Laura M. Bigenho
28th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq -- The atmosphere outside the Sports Oasis Dining Facility resembled that of a sold-out concert venue Tuesday night as troops and civilians packed the parking lot. Triple-digit temperatures and threats of indirect fire didn't keep hundreds of country music fans and curious spectators from venturing out to see one of country music's biggest stars.

Award-winning country music artist Toby Keith made his way to Camp Victory, courtesy of the USO and MWR. Keith is no stranger to Iraq. He and his band set aside 17 days every spring to entertain troops serving in the Middle East.

For Keith, performing for deployed troops has become a tradition.

"Every plane we get on, we buckle a box down in the middle and we play spades while keeping score on a tour book, then we keep the books as souvenirs," Keith said. "We have kind of a brotherhood thing going. We're setting some traditions that we really look forward to each year."

More than that, Keith said performing is one way of thanking the troops.

"My way of serving my country is for me to come over here and support the troops."
Keith gave back as he took the stage with his hit,

"Get Drunk and Be Somebody." He performed several others including, "How Do You Like Me Now," "I Love This Bar," "High Maintenance Woman," and "As Good As I Once Was," which he jokingly dedicated to senior officers.

For Spc. Joseph Crabtree, light-wheel vehicle mechanic, 318th Psychological Operation Battalion, this was his first time seeing Keith live.

"His concert was great. I love all his music," Crabtree said. "I wanted to see him back in the States, but I missed his concert back home."

Longtime fan Spc. Dawn Kertz saw Keith perform at Camp Victory in 2005. The product approval specialist with Task Force 10 said she loves that he supports the troops.

"He's very patriotic, and that's what I love," Kertz said. "He stands behind us even when (others do not)."

Keith said he got his patriotic roots from his father, who lost his right eye while serving in the Army during the 1950s. His father flew the American flag 365 days a year, and although he seldom let anyone else in their house, he always invited people who were soliciting on behalf of organizations that supported veterans.

"Everybody who wears the uniform is a warrior for me," Keith said. "My family gets to lay their head down every night and sleep in Disneyland because of what you do."

Once a die-hard Democrat, Keith said he no longer affiliates himself with political parties as much as he associates himself with being American. Ever since events of Sept. 11, 2001, Keith decided it wasn't about politics.

"I'm here to support America and I'm here to support the armed forces," Keith said. "Politically, I'm not educated enough on the issues to know why we came here (to Iraq), but it doesn't matter to me. I go wherever American military families and troops are to try and give something back to them."

Keith showed utmost support for the troops when he sang "American Soldier" to an audience that quickly went from being loud and enthusiastic to calm and tearful.

Keith said he wrote the song for troops, and like many troops, the song had special meaning to Crabtree.

"'American Soldier'" was something (Keith) had to think about and put forth a lot of effort. He made it very personal," Crabtree said.

Immediately after closing out the concert with "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," Keith repeatedly saluted the troops.

"From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every one of you for my freedom and for putting your life on the line for me,"

Keith said. "American troops should never have to think for one second America as a whole is not behind them."

• Date Taken: 05.23.2007
• Date Posted: 05.23.2007 08:58
• Story ID: 10483
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ