Photo By Sgt. Marcus Gable | Kid Rock plays the guitar for lucky Soldiers in a hangar at Forward Operating Base...... read more read more
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by Pfc. Marcus Gable
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq—Santa made a special delivery this year for Soldiers deployed in Iraq, dropping off one of the biggest rock stars in the world.
Kid Rock arrived at Baghdad International Airport early Christmas Eve starting his two-day tour of camps and forward operating bases in the war zone to meet Soldiers and spread holiday cheer. This was his second trip to Iraq in the past three years and Rock said he paid for a portion of the trip with his own money.
Rock's arrival was apparent as service members from the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force packed a media room at Sather Air Base in Baghdad with collectibles to be autographed and cameras at the ready. This would be the first of many packed houses the entertainer encountered throughout his tour.
The tour called for Rock to visit to six FOBs and camps beginning at noon Christmas Eve and ending Christmas night at Camp Liberty for the final meet and greet.
Rock had two reasons for spending his Christmas with troops fighting the war on terrorism.
"I wanted to meet the guys protecting our country and making sacrifices so that we can enjoy our freedoms," he said. "I also wanted to set a positive example for my son."
With guitar in tow, Rock made his way to the next FOB.
When Rock arrived at FOB Prosperity in Baghdad's International Zone, he was greeted by excited U.S. Soldiers screaming his name and up-armored vehicles playing his hits over the loudspeakers. Rock spent hours signing autographs and wishing every Soldier he met a Merry Christmas. After meeting with U.S. Soldiers, Rock grabbed his guitar and played some of his favorite tunes for the packed houses.
Rock refused to stop for a rest when meeting with Soldiers. While waiting for a flight in a hangar, Rock was given a .50 caliber round to use as a pick to play his guitar. In true Rock fashion, he played several songs and took the time to give a few playing tips to Soldiers in attendance.
After getting the chance to meet one of their favorite rock stars, Soldiers were excited to show off their pictures with Rock to their friends and anyone whom they could find.
"I'm a big fan of Kid Rock and I'll be sending these pictures home first thing," said Lt. Amanda Rodriguez, a military intelligence officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
The next day, Christmas Day, had Rock spreading holiday cheer with hundreds more Soldiers.
Rock started the day's events by serving lunch to Soldiers and meeting as many troops as possible. Once again Rock's loyal fans packed every place he visited. While visiting FOB Rustamiyah and FOB Falcon, Rock walked around meeting with Soldiers and touring the grounds.
"I wanted to get a feel for what these troops are going through," Rock said. "I've never seen this much mud before in my life and it just shows how much these guys are doing for us."
The last stop on Rock's tour to spend Christmas with the troops was the Camp Liberty Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center.
Rock walked into the door and the room erupted with cheer and chants of "Kid Rock! Kid Rock!"
Soldiers in the packed gym waited in long lines for their chance to wish Rock a Merry Christmas. Many brought gifts to give their favorite rock star. Rock made sure he met with every Soldier in attendance and personally thanked them.
As the tour came to an end, Rock made his way back to his living quarters and along the way continued to thank every Soldier for their sacrifices and posed for pictures.
The two-day visit was preempted by a stop in Kuwait and other places Rock wanted to meet with service members. Before Rock made his way back to the states, he stopped to post hundreds of pictures of all the Soldiers he met on his personal website and posted thanks to all the troops for their sacrifices and allowing all Americans to live in freedom.
| Date Taken: | 12.24.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 12.28.2006 10:47 |
| Story ID: | 8698 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 523 |
| Downloads: | 174 |
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