USO brings Rascal Flatts to Baghdad

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson
  • 447th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFPN) --  As the morning temperature passed 100 degrees Aug. 5 and even the shade under camouflage netting brought no relief from the heat, country music group Rascal Flatts offered Airmen and Soldiers at Baghdad International Airport a respite of music and calm.

Traveling throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on a United Services Organization tour, the group brought a message of thanks to the people fighting the war on terrorism.

“We’re here because we want our servicemembers to know we’re proud of what they are doing, and that we’re deeply grateful for their dedication and sacrifice,” said lead singer Gary LeVox. “We are offering our music as a way to show our gratitude for what they do.”

The mood for many of the Airmen and Soldiers was somber as they gathered for the concert near the flightline where only hours before they had come together to honor four fallen comrades who died in the defense of freedom.

When the concert began and the simple acoustic melody of the trio’s hit song “Mayberry” drifted through the crowd, faces that were drawn and tight soon began to relax.

When Mr. LeVox began to sing, some people leaned back and closed their eyes while others leaned forward, quietly singing along.

The group performed from a make-shift stage behind a building that was once Saddam Hussein’s military base operations facility.

With an American flag as their backdrop, the musicians joked with the audience and even sang “Happy Birthday” to one Airman.

Joe Don Rooney, guitarist and mandolin player, talked with Airmen before the show about how surprised he was with the pace of operations.

“You’re here at ground zero, working unbelievably long hours, to offer the Iraqi people peace and a chance to control their own future,” he said. “It reminds us how much we take for granted at home.”

During the show, bass guitarist Jay DeMarcus motioned some Airmen to move closer to the “stage” where he laughed and talked with them between songs.

“I am in awe at how young some of the people serving here are and the incredible responsibility they carry on their shoulders,” he said. “They do what they need to do, and their attitudes are always positive.”

As songwriters, the group agrees that their experiences with America’s servicemembers will serve as an inspiration.

“Our music is based on real life experiences, and being here stimulates the emotions and heightens the senses,” Mr. LeVox said. “When we head home, we are going to spread the gospel of what you are accomplishing here.

“We’ll bring home a positive message and remind people that what you’re doing here is more than what they learn in 15 minutes of daily news,” he added.

Standing close to where Mr. DeMarcus was playing, Airman 1st Class Autumn Grasty, deployed to the 447th Expeditionary Communications Squadron from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., seemed to tune out the busy flightline operations going on only 100 meters behind her to listen to what she calls her favorite musicians.

“I’ve been listening to their music a lot since I deployed,” she said. “And their live performance was exactly what I hoped it would be.”

After the show, although the group was on a tight schedule, they took time for photographs and to talk with the troops. The group also assured the troops that this would not be their last USO tour.