Toby Keith Thrills Soldiers at Contingency Operating Base Speicher

Courtesy Photo | Country music legend Toby Keith performs for the soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division at Contingency Operating Base Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

05.30.2006

Courtesy Story

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Tikrit, Iraq (May 27, 2006) -- Thousands of U.S. Troops packed the outdoor venue at Contingency Operating Base Speicher to see a performance by a country music legend on Saturday.

Oklahoma native Toby Keith showed his support for U.S. Soldiers by performing his fourth performance on a grueling 14-day tour of Iraq. All in all, Keith has performed 64 such shows in four years, exclusively supporting the military outside the United States.

"There are a lot of things that are important in allowing the Soldiers to be able to accomplish their tasks -- there is only one thing critical, and that's the support of his fellow countrymen," said Maj. Gen. Thomas Turner, Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division, to Keith as he presented him with a Task Force Band of Brothers Screaming Eagle statuette as a token of appreciation.

Turner went on to state that the country music industry has been more steadfast then any other organization when it comes to supporting the troops with entertainment and Toby Keith is the leading entertainer in that regard.

According to Keith's public relations representative, Keith does these performances to show his support of the military. He feels what the troops are doing is important and he wants them to realize he appreciates their sacrifice.

The tour began in Kuwait before arriving in Iraq. When he finishes here, he will continue the performances for Soldiers stationed in Djibouti, Africa.

• Date Taken: 05.30.2006
• Date Posted: 05.30.2006 14:53
• Story ID: 6582
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ