Toby Keith rocks Victory Base Complex

Photo By Sgt. Christopher Gaylord | Country music star Toby Keith performed on the Liberty Post Exchange stage at Camp Liberty, Iraq, on April 26. Keith is in country on his sixth United Services Organizations tour. "My father was a Soldier and he set an example, so this is more of a tribute to him than it is to me that I came over here," Keith said. "He taught us when we were kids to respect veterans and the people who serve our country."  

IRAQ

05.03.2008

Story by Spc. Christopher Gaylord 

13th Public Affairs Detachment

By Pfc. Christopher M. Gaylord
13th Public Affairs Detachment

Country music star Toby Keith visited and performed for troops on Victory Base Complex on April 25 and 26 as part of his sixth United Service Organizations tour. Keith is spending his time meeting with and playing for Soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen across Afghanistan and Iraq.

"It's just pretty much get up early, pack a light bag, grab a couple of guitars and hit a couple of forward operating bases," Keith said. "It's always play for a bit and then shake as many hands and take as many pictures as I can before the birds hit."

One thing brought the famous musician: his vast patriotism and sincere support for servicemembers and the difficult job they do while deployed, which is evident in his music and performances for military members.

"His songs are an inspiration to all the troops over here," said Capt. Nicole Van Benken, brigade S-2, 62nd Medical Brigade. "It makes you motivated to do your job because you feel like you're over here for a purpose. It's great to know that people support you."

"I just want [the troops] to have a good time, and I want to know when we leave that we brought some sense of home to them, and for a little while maybe it'll lighten their world up and they'll remember what they're fighting for," Keith said. "My father was a Soldier and he set an example, so this is more of a tribute to him than it is to me that I came over here. He taught us when we were kids to respect veterans and the people who serve our country."

Overall, Keith was impressed with how well U.S. forces have adapted over the years since Operation Iraqi Freedom began, and highly confident in their abilities.

"It's a tough war to fight," Keith said. "It's not very conventional, and it's hard to figure out who the enemy is, and these guys get out on the streets and do a hell of job. I'm amazed."

From his visit, it was evident that Keith looks up to the troops on the ground just as much as many of them look up to him for the inspirational music he writes.

While wars may change and the U.S. military may have to readapt numerous times, one thing will always remain, and that's Keith's strong support for all the men and women deployed to war zones.

"[Servicemembers] are the neverending battle for freedom," Keith said.

• Date Taken: 05.03.2008
• Date Posted: 05.03.2008 15:21
• Story ID: 19069
• Location: IQ