'Gunrunners' meet an American Idol during their deployment at Al Asad

Photo By Lance Cpl. Brandon Roach | Capt. Ryan T. Roche explains the different characteristics of the UH-1N Huey Helicopter to American Idol finalist Jessica Sierra and members of the OSB July 6 at Al Asad, Iraq, during their 10-day tour of Iraq. Sierra, and OSB came to Iraq to show support of the troops through music and by visiting with some units. Roche is a UH-1N pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Marine Aircraft Group 16 (Reinforced), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

07.06.2006

Story by Lance Cpl. Brandon Roach 

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

by Lance Cpl. Brandon L. Roach
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs

AL ASAD, Iraq -- With the temperatures topping out near 110 degrees, the 'Gunrunners' received a special visit from an American Idol finalist who wanted to show her support to service members by seeing them in Iraq first hand.

Jessica Sierra, American Idol finalist, stopped to hang out with the Marines of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Marine Aircraft Group 16 (Reinforced), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during her 10-day tour of Iraq.

Sierra, a 20-year-old native of Miami, met with the Marines for nearly two hours taking time to sign autographs and pose for pictures with the Marines.

"I came out here to show my support to our military and the great things they are doing for the Iraqi people," said Sierra. "I have two uncles who where in the service so patriotism runs through the family."

Although in a combat zone, Sierra was very open and carefree with the Marines as she laughed and joked while she learned about the UH-1N Huey and the AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters and the overall mission of the squadron.

According to Capt. Ryan T. Roche, UH-1N Huey pilot, HMLA-269, it meant a lot to the Marines that an individual like Jessica and the members of the band OSB took time out of their lives to come here to the front lines and help do their part to raise morale and bring smiles to the troops.

Later in the day, Sierra and OSB held a meet and greet and gave a show stopping performance from the stage of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation building.

"This is a great opportunity for us," said Sierra. "This is an honor and I thank you all for what you're doing."

After their performance, Sierra and OSB returned to the United States wrapping up her 10-day tour of Iraq.

"I know today was a day that our Marines will never forget," said Roche.

• Date Taken: 07.06.2006
• Date Posted: 08.19.2006 13:43
• Story ID: 7494
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ