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KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – He traded his horse for a Humvee, took his "Red Solo Cup" on a road trip around Afghanistan, and brought a little piece of home to deployed troops. Country music star Toby Keith paid a visit to Kandahar Airfield as part of his Middle East USO tour. It was his 10th trip to see the troops that began with four locations in three time-zones and said he was “just getting warmed up.”
The country music giant had a presence as large as his stature; his dark shades, special forces-style beard, and unfiltered mouth that would make any sailor proud allowed him to seamlessly blend into the large camouflaged crowd that stood before him. It was the playful banter with fans that showcased his craft, crisp sound that showcased his skill and the chewing gum that stayed put through every note and flawless bravado showcased an interesting hidden talent.
Keith’s quick wit and crowd interaction kept everyone engaged from song to song.
“I want to do a song for these nurses right here,” Keith said as he pointed to a group of petite female sailors.
They stood near the front of the stage, cowboy hats on their head, signs in their hands and smiles on their faces.
“We’ve got a whole pack of little warfighters right here,” he said with a chuckle, “They made signs and everything,” and then after a brief pause he said, “but right now ladies, I want to talk about me.”
And "Talk About Me" the audience began to sing.
Service members raised their red Solo cups, donned cowboy hats, and snapped photo after photo with their cameras. As the famous summer song began, the red sea of plastic cups waved in the air, filled with fruit smoothies as a substitute for the preferred beverage of summer concerts. This is a dry country after all. The crowd sang along, swayed their cups and seemed to be transported back home for a few minutes, reminiscing of summer fun with friends.
In addition to his radio classics, a large portion of the song list was service member specific - unfit for radio, and right on par with reality out here in the desert. He sang about crusty old colonels, lying Army recruiters, and grading members of the opposite sex on a curve. The crowd at it up and sang along with every word.
Keith knew his audience and he catered to them perfectly, proving that his visit was more than a marketing ploy; it was about pride for his country and those who volunteer to protect it. Going where the troops are Keith put his military support on display by traveling to large bases, small forward operating bases, and even smaller combat outposts. No matter how desolate or dangerous, he went where the troops were; the only thing changing from trip to trip is the size of the band.
The Wounded Warriors had seats right up front, they raised their crutches to cheer and got special shout outs from Toby himself. That military appreciation shown to deployed soldiers will follow them home where they can partake at Keith’s food and drink franchise “I Love This Bar and Grill” located in 10 locations across the United States.
“Bring in your military ID and get a burger and a beer on me,” he said as the crowd before him cheered.
Patches, Cuban cigars and red Solo cups flew to the stage as the show came to an end. Keith was close enough to touch and he beamed at the crowd as he waved and turned to leave. After an exit of the stage, the crowd new the show wasn’t over.
“Toby, Toby, Toby” the crowd chanted until he re-appeared on the small USO stage.
“American Soldier” was the grand finale and everyone in the crowd sang along. It had a chilling effect and a special meaning hearing it over in the desert and the drummer weaved a taps solo into the middle of the song. It was patriotic and we all felt it. Almost every hand in the crowd was raised to the sky, like a church revival as he sang about our service and sacrifice for the love of our country.
After 10 months into my 12-month tour, Toby is the only star of his caliber to pay a visit to our area of the country. He doesn’t just write these songs, he lives them, and he travels out here where we are, to perform them for us. Although Keith doesn’t wear the uniform, he is one of us, and one great American.
| Date Taken: | 04.30.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 04.30.2012 03:46 |
| Story ID: | 87578 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 1,301 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
This work, Cowboy ‘Boots on Ground’ - Toby Keith tours Afghanistan, performs for deployed troops, by SGT Nicole Smart, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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