Aaron Tippin entertains troops in Iraq

Photo By Staff Sgt. Emily Suhr | Country music star Aaron Tippin performs for a crowd during his visit to Camp Ramadi, Iraq, Nov. 26. Camp Ramadi was one of six U.S. military bases Tippin visited, throughout Iraq and Kuwait, during his Drill N' Thrill Thanksgiving tour. The overseas tour was sponsored by Stars for Stripes, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing entertainment to deployed troops.  

RAMADI, IRAQ

12.01.2008

Story by Sgt. Amanda Gauthier 

81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team

By Sgt. Amanda Gauthier
81st Brigade Combat Team

RAMADI, Iraq - Country music star Aaron Tippin visited Camp Ramadi, Iraq, Nov. 26, during his six-base Drill N' Thrill Thanksgiving tour sponsored by Stars for Stripes.

Tippin has done three morale tours in Iraq and two in Afghanistan, as well as performances throughout the Middle East during the 1990 Gulf War.

"Some folks might not know this, but my career was kind of kicked off by the military. I came along during the days of the Persian Gulf War, and I got invited along on a Bob Hope tour," said Tippin. "So the first Americans to ever hear me sing, 'You've Gotta Stand for Something', were in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and they were our troops. I guess you could say it's a friendship that's lasted 20 years."

During Tippin's Stars for Stripes tours he makes a point of shaking hands and signing autographs for as many troops as possible, despite the fact that he has traveled thousands of miles and had very little sleep.

"We didn't come here to hide out; we came here to shake hands," stated Tippin.

At one point, Tippin got back out of his vehicle after wrapping up an autograph and photo session to get to his sound check, so a couple of Marines who arrived late after getting off duty could get autographs and pictures with him as well. His travel throughout Iraq often involves late night flights, all-day visits and evening performances. He may get a little sleep on the flight and then start the whole thing over again the next day. By the time Tippin heads back to the U.S., he will have played five shows in Iraq and one in Kuwait.

While in Ramadi, Tippin visited several units to see what they were doing and observe the changes in Iraq since his last visit in 2007.

"My favorite part is seeing all of the good that is being done. Shaking hands with all of you guys and gals is a big blessing. All we ever get is what is shown on the media, most of the time that's whatever bad news they can dream up. Not everybody in America gets to see all the good," said Tippin about his favorite part of coming over here. "It's what I like to call bringing the love over and hauling the truth back. It's a blessing to be the messenger."

Tippin has always supported U.S. military members. The overseas performances are his way of showing it.

When asked what he would like to say to all deployed service members, Tippin said, "happy holidays to all you guys and gals out there. You can't be home with your families and being over here just a few days without mine makes me realize the suffering, among the many other sacrifices, that you do for me. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. I want to see you at an Aaron Tippin show on the other side of the world."

Tippin's Iraq and Kuwait tour was sponsored by Stars for Stripes, a charity organization devoted to bringing a morale boost to Unites States military deployed overseas through celebrity entertainment. It was formed by Judy Seale in 2003. With a background in country music and international tours, she formed the organization to entertain troops who otherwise might not get to see the entertainers that come through.

"In 1991 I was managing a group called the Forester Sisters, and the USO called and wanted them to go to Iceland for New Years Eve. They flew us up there in a P3 submarine surveillance plane, from Nashville to Iceland. There was a white-out and it was so remote, it just opened my eyes to the places we had the military deployed. I'm not from a military family, I had no idea that people were doing this for our country," said Seale about what inspired her to start Stars for Stripes. "I started helping the USO after that and I've never stopped."

Seale visited Camp Ramadi along with Tippin and Fox News Channel contributor Bill Cowan, a retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel. Seale has spent nearly 18 years dedicated to bringing entertainment to the troops. During these trips the entertainers are giving up their time and money. They are not paid for their time or performances, according to Seale.

• Date Taken: 12.01.2008
• Date Posted: 12.08.2008 10:10
• Story ID: 27316
• Location: RAMADI, IQ