455th Air Expeditionary Wing

Story by Capt. David Faggard

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Gary Sinise and the "Lt. Dan Band" made their first appearance in Afghanistan, Nov. 23, performing for hundreds of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and coastguards men.

This visit is one in a long line of entertainment and celebrity visits to boost morale of service members who are away from home and their loved ones during the holidays, according to the Armed Forces Entertainment director, Col. Edward Shock.

That sentiment of thanking the troops during the holidays was echoed by the visitors.

"We understand and appreciate your sacrifice; we do not take you for granted," Mr. Sinise told the crowd. "We're grateful for you and your service and the sacrifice of your loved ones back home. Your families sacrifice so much, so often and we know they miss you. Thank you."

Mr. Sinise also visited a remote Army outpost near the Pakistan border where he met with Soldiers and distributed humanitarian supplies to more than 50 Afghan children.

While Mr. Sinise visited the remote outpost, other actors visited Bagram's Craig Joint Theater Hospital to meet the staff and visit with patients.

"You all have a first-rate facility," said actor Michael T. Williams, also known as "Bubba" from the "Forrest Gump" movie. "You're using equipment and techniques that we're not even seeing in the states.

"I am so grateful for their sacrifice," he continued. "I pray to God daily for the men and women who go through there."

Comedian Kevin Farley, actress Kristy Swanson and television personality LeeAnn Tweeden visited troops. The visit was a partnership between AFE, the USO and American Airlines.

"I think it's really good they're here supporting the troops," said Staff Sgt. Henrie Young, from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Safety office before a thunderous applause from a cover of Neil Young's "Teenage Wasteland."

The Lt. Dan Band has traveled all over the world playing popular music and visiting service members and families, including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Korean Demilitarized Zone and many other remote military bases.

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