The Charlie Daniels Band performs concert at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicole Harmon | Charlie Daniels continues on...his black cowboy hat turning brown from the sand storm.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

05.27.2009

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicole Harmon 

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq - Coalition forces extended a warm welcome to the Charlie Daniels Band April 16. The performance was one not soon forgotten. The weather had been bright and clear throughout the day. But shortly after the country music icon, dressed in Marine digital camouflage and a big black cowboy hat, stepped on stage, the wind kicked up, causing the band and fans to experience a sand storm that turned the sky orange. The weather did not deter the Charlie Daniels Band from continuing the concert. Only after the rain began to fall, was the event cut short.

Constructionman Erin Huff commented that, " It was very cool that he kept playing after the sand storm first hit."

The event was moved into the Sentinel Theatre where Charlie Daniels spoke to the audience, apologizing for having to shorten the show.

He also stated, "We'll stay until every one in this theatre has a chance to come up and get an autograph and a picture."

True to his word, he and the band, after approximately three hours of shaking hands signing, autographs, and taking a picture with every service member that waited in line, called it a night.

In attendance for the show were personnel from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24. The deployed Battalion consists of Navy Reservists from the home detachments in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and West Virginia, as well as Individual Augmentees from many other states from across the country.

Many of the members of NMCB 24 have grown up listening to Charlie Daniels Band on the radio, and watching him perform at other concerts and venues. Several of the Seabees reside and work in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., where Charlie Daniels has his home.

The Seabees of NMCB 24 took a little extra pride in watching the performance. The Builders from Charlie Company had been tasked with constructing and installing the stage for the performance, as well as the stanchions that were used to cordon off the area.

The entire project took the six man team, lead by Builder 1st Class Bobby Bills, approximately 48 man hours to plan, cut, install and disassemble. The workers performed the majority of the work in their off-duty time.

When asked about the project, Bills stated, "It was an honor that the Seabees were chosen to build the stage for such a legendary country artist." He went on to say how proud he was of his team for working so "quickly and efficiently."

The performance and meet and greet were enjoyed by all, regardless of the weather that quickly changed the evening.

Equipment Operator 3rd Class Jacob Hicks described it best when asked what he thought about the performance, "It was awesome."

• Date Taken: 05.27.2009
• Date Posted: 05.27.2009 04:30
• Story ID: 34136
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ