LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Toby Keith performed five of his hit songs and helped in the re-enlistment of a Soldier during the USO's America's Toughest Tour at Forward Operating Base Shank, April 27.
Spc. Brian Teal, a logistics specialist with B Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, saw a Toby Keith video in which he held the flag during a Soldier's re-enlistment ceremony and wanted Toby Keith to do the same for him when the country music star visited.
"I got the idea from a friend and decided I'm just going to give it a whirl and go from there," Teal said. "I brought it up to the retention Non-commissioned Officer that I wanted to re-enlist when Toby Keith performed."
According to 1st Lt. Natalie Withers, the executive officer and platoon leader for B Company, the whole brigade made it possible for Teal to have Toby Keith present for his re-enlistment.
After Keith's performance, Withers and Teal joined him on stage.
The Billarica, Ga., native re-enlisted for six years and a change of pace by changing his job from logistics specialist to military police. Teal added he enjoys being a Soldier and intends to stay in the Army for 20 years.
"I thought it was awesome that Toby Keith took the time to be present for a Soldier's re-enlistment," Withers said.
This was also the first time Withers carried out a re-enlistment ceremony.
Teal, a big country music and Toby Keith fan, said he felt great and was really pleased that Toby Keith took time out of his schedule to be present for his re-enlistment.
"I want to thank everybody for making it possible, especially Toby Keith," Teal said.
Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick are on tour with the USO's America's Toughest Tour. This is the seventh time they have been in combat zones to support the troops.