Country star 'lights up' KMC

Courtesy Photo | Toby Keith, singer, songwriter and entertainer, reacts to a interview question, at a media event before his free concert, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May, 1. The Toby Keith concert, sponsored by the United Services Organization and Armed Forces Entertainment was designed to entertain and help boost the morale of troops and their families. Toby Keith will making stops throughout Germany, Korea and the Persian Gulf during his 14-day country tour. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Rich)  

RAMSTEIN-MIESENBACH, RP, GERMANY

05.03.2010

Story by Senior Airman Scott Saldukas 

86th Airlift Wing

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Country music icon Toby Keith performed for the Kaiserslautern Military Community at a jam-packed concert in Hangar 1 here, May 1.

The country concert was headed up by the United Service Organizations, Armed Forces Entertainment and the 86th Services Squadron here and was open to all military ID card holders.

Toby Keith is not an unusual celebrity guest to play for the military community. The USO veteran has been performing for military members for more than eight years and makes it a point to set aside time in tribute to them each year.

"Being an adult at the time of [Sept. 11] and knowing people were being called upon by their country to go into a battle zone, we just felt compelled to do it," Mr. Keith said. "It was an eye opening and wonderful experience that we had, so we had to dedicate two weeks a year to them."

Although Mr. Keith was never a part of the uniformed services, he has always been an avid supporter because of family ties to the military.

"My father was in the military and he came home with the vision in one eye taken away from him while my mother and three kids were at home," the singer said. "I was 16 or 17 before I knew he was blind in that eye, he never complained about it."

At a young age, his father taught him to respect veterans and current armed forces members, and appreciate diversity of the military. Because of this, he tries to bring something different to each show.

"It's not like playing state-side shows," he said. "If someone yells out a song they want to hear, we'll play it. I try to put a smile on everyone's face and try and bring them in and make them laugh."

He also tries to bring as many military personnel back stage as he can to talk for a moment before the concert. More than 15 wounded warriors had the opportunity to meet the artist and express their gratitude for his appearance.

The appreciation for the music star was evident with not only the overwhelming crowd size of more than 4,000 people, but also their thunderous applause.

"I love it," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Dannelly, 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuel specialist. "He is a huge supporter of the troops and I wouldn't miss an event he was at."

And event like these also pay dividends to the family members who serve in their own way..

"It's great for the troops to be able to relax and come out to see the concert," said Mary Watson, mother-in-law of Senior Master Sgt. Karl Campbell from the 86th Maintenance Squadron. "I think it's just as important the event gives so much back to the family members and offers them a little piece of home."

Keith's 14-day tour will take him to various military locations in Korea, Germany and the Persian Gulf.

• Date Taken: 05.03.2010
• Date Posted: 05.03.2010 09:29
• Story ID: 49042
• Location: RAMSTEIN-MIESENBACH, RP, DE