Latin singer answers the call to serve her nation

Photo By Lance Cpl. Jason Hernandez | Latin singer Rocio Llamas and her band perform for service members aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, May 5, 2009. The band's visit to Al Asad on Cinco de Mayo was the second stop on their ten-day tour of Iraq.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

06.10.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. Jason Hernandez 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — In the United States, many Americans no doubt celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a trip to a local Mexican-themed restaurant or parties with close friends and family. For service members deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, the celebration of Mexican Independence Day was marked with a special meal at the installation's dining facilities and a concert by Latin singer Rocio Llamas.

Llamas' May 5 performance to a packed house aboard Al Asad was a welcome break to the Marines, sailors, soldiers, airmen and civilians deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Al Asad was the second stop on a 10-day tour of Iraq by Llamas and her band.

"So far it's been a great experience," said drummer Rene Morones, "getting to meet all the heroes that are out here. It's a privilege."

Llamas and her band conducted a marathon performance, playing nonstop for nearly two hours before throwing in an encore and wrapping up the evening's performance with an extended autograph session.

"It was a good time. I'm from Texas and this is my kind of music," said Staff Sgt. Chris Maldonado, a motor transport operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward). "So Tex-Mex music is really something I'm glad to have heard live on Cinco De Mayo."

According to the 24-year-old Llamas, her band's journey to Iraq began last fall.

"I was back stateside, and in around October my agent asked me if I'd like the opportunity to perform for the troops in Iraq," said Llamas, a Los Angeles native. "I said 'yes,' and in December we finalized everything — before I knew it, I was in Iraq."

"We got out here on my birthday actually," she added. "And I'm almost feeling selfish. I'm here to see the Marines and give them an experience to take home, and they're the ones thanking me."

Although she did not announce it to the crowd, Llamas had no reason to feel selfish because she had a secret — a secret that got her out of bed the next morning just as the sun broke over the Iraqi horizon.

Trading her high heels for running shoes and tying her long hair into a neat bun, Llamas hit the gym and track for a workout with Marines and sailors from the command element of Multi National Force - West and II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward).

"I needed it," said Llamas, referring to the exhaustive workout. "Being able to come out and (physically train) with you guys is just awesome."

Llamas' desire to get out and break a sweat wasn't out of a desire to simply stay in shape, but rather preparation for her eventual departure to Marine Corps recruit training. The secret she had held so closely, from her band and friends alike, was her enlistment into the United States Marine Corps.

Although announcing her enlistment could have earned her additional praise the evening before, Llamas kept mum about her plans and instead focused her attention on entertaining those who came out to see her and her band perform.

"Never ever am I going to forget this," Llamas said, commenting on the reception she and her band received from the grateful service members.

"I am looking forward to seeing you guys again. Not as a performer, but as a devil dog — as a Marine."

• Date Taken: 06.10.2009
• Date Posted: 06.10.2009 16:31
• Story ID: 34843
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ