R&B singer Tank entertains service members in Kirkuk

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jason Douglas | Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, and producer Tank, entertains service members at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, Aug. 17, during a United Services Organization concert tour throughout Iraq.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

08.27.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Jason Douglas 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq — American R&B singer Tank entertained a crowd of Soldiers, Airmen and civilians during a United Services Organization tour at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, Aug. 17.

This was the first USO tour for the Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer, who said he first got the idea to come to Iraq following a conversation with a friend.

Tank, whose father served in the U.S. Air Force, jumped at the idea of entertaining service members who are deployed and described the experience as "awesome."

"It's the least we can do for service members for their dedication and service to our country," Tank said.

For one Soldier in 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, who didn't find out about the concert until the previous day, the concert was a welcomed surprise.

"I heard about the concert from other Soldiers," said Pfc. Brittney Allen, a Richmond, Va., native and intelligence analyst in 2nd BCT. "I was excited, shocked and surprised he [Tank] came."

Allen listens to Tank on a regular basis, from her computer to her iPod; she has been a fan for some time.

"For anyone into R&B music, Tank is a household name," explained Allen.

During the concert, Tank gave tribute to fallen service members as well as musical artists who had passed away recently by playing samples of their music.

"It was cool that he [Tank] supports us. It was a good break on a Monday afternoon, and helped lift morale. He also interacted with the audience well by telling jokes and took photos with everyone who stood in line to get one," Allen said.

For Staff Sgt. Veronica Tovar, a Houston native and communications security specialist with 2nd BCT, the concert was enjoyable with its high-quality performance.

"There was a good crowd gathered that was enjoying the variety of music by dancing and singing along," Tovar said.

Tank departed FOB Warrior and traveled to Mosul to entertain troops there and other destinations in the country during his USO tour, but had a message for troops here before departing Kirkuk.

"I want to tell the troops that I'm proud of them and thankful for the opportunity to entertain them and put a smile on their face."

• Date Taken: 08.27.2009
• Date Posted: 08.27.2009 15:51
• Story ID: 38030
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ