Photo By Sgt. Kandi Huggins | Command Sgt. Maj. John Jones, senior enlisted leader of 1st Advise and Assist Task...... read more read more
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CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – “Who’s ready to rock?” said Steve Harwell, lead singer of rock band Smash Mouth, as he took the stage at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Kirkuk Feb. 14.
“We want to thank you for everything you do,” said Harwell, a San Jose, Calif. native. “This one is for all of you!”
The band then played a song from their greatest hits, “Everyday Super Hero,” as the audience roared, whistled and cheered and the band jumped and banged their heads with the music.
“The best part about the concert was watching everyone enjoy themselves as much as I did, rocking to the music and singing along,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. April Hewitt, who serves as a plans and integration coordinator with the Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing out of Duluth, Minn.
“That kind of release isn’t something very common here,” said Hewitt, referring to the way the troops moved with the music.
Hewitt said the concert reminded her of singing along with high school friends to some of the band’s greatest hits.
“The concert made me forget that I was in Iraq,” said Hewitt, a native of Lonsdale, Minn.
“I was able to enjoy the moments of great music, fond memories of the past and make new memories with my friends here —definitely a memorable Valentine’s Day,” Hewitt said.
Senior Airman Jennylyn Hisola, who hails from Anchorage, Alaska, serving with U.S. Air Force 341st Global Strike Command, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., said the performance was a special treat on Valentine’s Day, especially considering the rock band left their families and loved ones to be with the service members deployed in support of Operation New Dawn.
Before the show, soldiers of 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Reilly, Kan., provided members of Smash Mouth an opportunity to experience a soldier‘s life during their second tour stop in Iraq.
“We had an awesome time today,” said Harwell. “We met some great people here.”
“This was a humbling and inspiring experience to be amongst guys and gals fighting for us and our country,” said Randy Cooke, drummer for Smash Mouth, and a native of Los Angeles. “I’m honored to have had the opportunity to play for our country’s heroes.”
| Date Taken: | 02.16.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.18.2011 06:39 |
| Story ID: | 65655 |
| Location: | CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION WARRIOR, IQ |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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