Country stars bring Christmas spirit to deployed troops

Photo By Staff Sgt. Patrick Moes | CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Country music star Darryl Worley performs on camp Thursday in front of more than 2,000 elated servicemembers during the USO Sergeant Major of the Army's 2006 Hope and Freedom Tour. Worley is touring with country music singers Mark Wills, Keni Thomas, hip-hop artists The Washington Projects, comedian Al Franken, sports commentator Leeann Tweeden and members of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Camp Arifjan was the first show for the tour which will travel to Iraq next. Lt Gen R. Steven Whitcomb, Third Army/U.S. Army Central commander welcomed the tour to Kuwait and stressed the importance of the work being done in support of the war in Iraq.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

12.14.2006

Story by Staff Sgt. Patrick Moes 

40th Public Affairs Detachment

By Staff Sgt. Patrick Moes
40th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- Times can be hard for servicemembers serving throughout the Middle East during the holidays. Thoughts of seasonal traditions among loved ones are replaced by mission requirements and ensuring the Soldier next to you comes home safe.

Although missions take precedence over the holidays, country music stars such as Carrie Underwood, Darryl Worley and Mark Wills, with the help of the USO, decided to bring a little festive spirit to those serving our country.

"If we can make [servicemembers] forget about [missing home] for a night, it might help them through the week or month," said Underwood, Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year.

"I made a commitment to the Soldiers," said Mark Wills. "It's the true meaning of Christmas to give to others."

The help the country music stars have given has been uplifting for many service members deployed in support of Third Army/U.S. Army Central in Kuwait.

"It's just amazing," said Spc. Michael Depoister, a 377th Theater Support Command Soldier stationed at Camp Virginia, Kuwait.

"They care enough to come over here."

"This [Underwood's concert at Camp Buehring, Kuwait] is something I can go home and tell my kids about," added Depoister.

There are many memories for servicemembers serving in the Middle East. Through all of it, however, the support of the country music stars has been overwhelming.

"There are so many prayers that go out to the [servicemembers] every single night," said Underwood. "It's gotta be a hard job to have, but everybody back home appreciates it."

"This is just a real small way to serve our country, but mostly serve our troops," said Darryl Worley before his show at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. He is touring with the USO Sergeant Major of the Army show.

Worley finished by saying "We're trying to do what we can to give something back."

Wills said he hoped the tour would take servicemembers' minds off being away from their families while they do their jobs over here.

The holiday gift of music brought to elated servicemembers was evident during the SMA tour. Scores of servicemembers showed their two-step dancing skills off before more than 2,000 energetic people as Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston was welcomed by Third Army/U.S. Army Central Commander Lt. Gen R. Steven Whitcomb and Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Ashe.

• Date Taken: 12.14.2006
• Date Posted: 12.17.2006 11:15
• Story ID: 8592
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW