Courtesy Photo | Keni Thomas (right) performs for service members, Department of Defense employees and...... read more read more
Subscribe
By: Sgt. Mahlet Tesfaye
BAGHDAD — Service members, Department of Defense employees and civilian contractors gathered to enjoy a variety of entertainment by several artists who came to Iraq to support the troops during their mission overseas.
The Sergeant Major of the Army "Hope and Freedom’" Tour 2010 brought entertainers to Camp Liberty, Iraq Dec. 18, to put on a show for the troops. Part of the USO tour package, this event included performances by the U.S. Army Band, country music artists Keni Thomas and Buddy Jewell, and pop artist Alana Grace. Comedian Chonda Pierce and the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders also entertained the crowd.
“I came out here on this tour, because I wanted to bring you a piece of home, and to tell you how much I appreciate you,” Pierce said to the audience, during the show.
“The most important job military bands can do is come out and raise the morale of soldiers who are stationed in overseas," said Staff Sgt. Ronald Strayhorn, a band member with 25th Infantry Division, United States Division – Center, and a New Smyrna Beach, Fla. native. "We bring a little bit of home to the soldiers and make them feel good, even if it’s just for a little bit.”
Strayhorn said these kinds of shows give soldiers that little boost of energy to keep them going and smiling.
Popular songs such as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Help Pour out the Rain” and "Seven Month Itch," got the crowd tapping their feet, clapping their hands and singing.
“The show was definitely uplifting and heartwarming—especially this time of the year—for the artists to take time out of their busy schedules and come here, when they can be with their families,” said Spc. Juan Reyes, a band member with 25th Inf. Div., and a Duncan, Okla., native.
“It was great to see the Army band here,” said Sgt. Erin Bentz, a band member with 25th Inf. Div., and an Emporium, Pa., native. “I think everybody seems to love it. It was great to let loose and have some time to laugh.”
| Date Taken: | 12.18.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 12.23.2010 03:35 |
| Story ID: | 62513 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 187 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, ‘Hope and Freedom’ USO show entertains troops at Camp Liberty, Iraq, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
