Kuwait goes country: Montgomery Gentry comes to town

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Michael Noggle | Spc. Michael R. Noggle- Singing and playing the guitar, Troy Gentry sings ''Bad for Good.'  

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT

03.15.2006

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

Spc. Michael R. Noggle
CFLCC PAO/11th PAD

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - Troops at Udrairi Range weren't the only people making noise out of the northern deserts of Kuwait. Kicking off their first overseas tour, Montgomery Gentry got things rolling here, March 8.

The country duet, who has recorded numerous hits that topped the U.S. Hot 100 and Country charts since 1999, will be making stops through Kuwait, Iraq and Germany in a week.

"We've been trying to get over here the last few years," said Troy "T-Roy" Gentry, singer/guitarist. "This is our first time but it won't be our last."

With hundreds of servicemembers in attendance, the duo got the evening rolling with hits "My Town," "Bad for Good" and "Hell Yeah" among others.

"We try to do the show that we perform throughout the year," Gentry said. "It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but we'll give them a good show."

Disappoint they didn't, as the audience remained on their feet throughout the show snapping pictures, singing along and even some dancing in front of the stage.

"I think it's great they can come out here and support the troops," said Sgt. George Pate, lifelong fan. "You don't see too many bands out here at this camp but it helps the morale of everyone here."

After a 45-minute performance, the group from Lexington, Ky., decided to call it an early show but when their fans were calling for an encore, they couldn't resist.

"This is a great honor for us to perform in front of these men and women who serve the greatest country in the world," said Eddie Montgomery, lead singer. "Anything we can do for them and show our support."

As they came back on stage for their encore, troops rushed to the foot of the stage to get a close-up and shake the hands of their country favorites.

"We've always wanted to do a show to show our gratitude and thank the men and women in uniform," Gentry said.

He added, "What we're doing is nothing to what our military has done giving us our freedom and everything else they're doing around the world."

After an eventful night of hooting, hollering and dancing around the stage, Montgomery Gentry stayed around to take pictures and sign a few autographs for the men and women they idolize.

"It's just getting started for us," Gentry said. "We got four shows in Iraq and finish with a show in Germany."

With military running through their family tree, Montgomery and Gentry have always had a profound respect for the military service.

"We love our troops to death," Gentry said. "I appreciate everything they have done for us in the past and everything they are doing for us now."

Montgomery added, "They're out here trying to make this world a safer place. America and I are behind them 100 percent."

• Date Taken: 03.15.2006
• Date Posted: 03.15.2006 12:34
• Story ID: 5729
• Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW