Courtesy Photo | Kellie Pickler performs during the Red Ribbon Rocks concert aboard the Air Station...... read more read more
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BEAUFORT, S.C. - A new noise echoed across the parade deck during the Red Ribbon Rocks concert Friday on the Air Station as Kellie Pickler performed for service members and families.
Marine Corps Community Services and the Drug Demand Reduction program sponsored the event to promote a lifestyle free of alcohol abuse and drugs in a new and fun way for Marines and sailors.
That fun way being country star Kellie Pickler, who is fond of performing for the troops.
“We’re so excited to be here,” Pickler said. “We’ve done a lot of United Service Organizations tours, and I met some of you in Iraq back in 2008.”
We like to take advantage of every opportunity to bring a piece of home to you wherever you are.”
Pickler stayed on stage after an encore of one of her hit songs, “Red High Heels,” to sign dozens of the beach balls and frisbees given out by “That Guy,” which earlier in the day were thrown and chased after by children across the parade deck. Her signature on those items was a subtle reminder of what the event was really about - keeping the Marines and sailors in the Lowcountry free of drug and alcohol abuse.
“The Marine Corps needs you ... don’t do drugs and don’t abuse alcohol,” said Col. Brian C. Murtha, the Air Station commanding officer, when he briefly appeared under the spotlight prior to the concert’s main attraction, re-affirming the importance of staying drug free.
Murtha added that the Corps operates smoothly only because of the outstanding work Marines perform with a clear
mind everyday.
This idea was the driving force for a video that was played showcasing Marines performing their duties on the Air Station and explaining why they choose to live drug free.
Their reasons surrounded their everyday responsibilities, many of which have the lives of other Marines in their hands.
“The message got across to us,” said Pfc. Eric Kirkland, a volunteer at the concert.
Kirkland added, that although Murtha’s message was brief, he felt the commander’s involvement showed that superiors appreciate the Marines they have responsibility over and do care about their welfare.
Alcohol was available for purchase at the event; however, the message to drink responsibly was clear with free water and soda being handed out to designated drivers.
Marine Corps Community Services also served free, non-alcoholic “mocktails” complete with little umbrellas to show a margarita can be just as fun without the alcohol.
Lines formed at concession stands while children and adults cautiously navigated a tricycle course with drunk goggles designed to teach the dangers of impaired driving.
Earlier in the week service members auditioned to open the concert with their talents in the, “You’re the Star” segment.
As the crowd in front of the stage grew larger, local Marines and others sang and played their rock and roll favorites as well as country classics. A few of the opening acts even performed songs of their own.
The Blue Dogs began their part of the show afterward, bringing out more than their own unique flavor of music to the stage. One Marine joined the Charleston-based band for a jam session.
Col. Brian Palmer, the commanding officer of Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, performed a few songs on the electric guitar with the Blue Dogs including a cover of the Troggs’, “Wild Thing.”
The musical event, which was set to prevent drug and alcohol abuse, accomplished its goal according to Pfc. Cody Lawler, a volunteer at the event.
“We saw a lot of families out here,” he said. “The event was directed toward family and building strong family ties, and if you have those strong family ties, you’re not going to do drugs.”
| Date Taken: | 09.16.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.16.2011 10:17 |
| Story ID: | 77138 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 204 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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