Operation Season's Greetings huge smash

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  The surrounding mountains here echoed the sounds of rock, blues, country and laughter when national entertainment artists performed for servicemembers Nov. 28 as part of Operation Season's Greetings.

Headlining the show was country artist Jamie O'Neal. She is best known for her No. 1 hits "There is No Arizona" and "When I Think About Angels." Along with those crowd favorites, she performed songs from her newest CD.

"I'm thrilled to have John Popper, Delilah, six of the New England Patriots cheerleaders and members of the Air Force band along to accompany me on this tour to entertain U.S. military men and women around the world," Ms. O'Neal said.

John Popper, a member of the blues rock band Blues Traveler, brought the crowd alive with his high-intensity vocals and harp playing. He also electrified the audience with his sincere dedication to showing them his appreciation for their service. While he enjoyed playing his songs and putting on a show for the troops, Mr. Popper said his real enjoyment came from meeting the servicemembers and talking with them one on one.

"I'm just so amazed by what kids half my age can do," he said. "We don't feel like we hold a candle to the Airmen."

Mr. Popper played several of his favorites along with new hits from his latest album and was accompanied by members of the Reserve band.

"OSG is unique in that it also showcases the talent of our own Air Force entertainers. It often comes as a surprise to the audience just how great our own band members are when they have a chance to step away from the standard ceremonial, protocol and concert venues," said Dave Ballengee, the deputy director of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Music wasn't the only thing entertaining the troops. Radio personality and disc jockey Delilah wowed the troops with her comedic talent and personal sentiments regarding her brother who died in an aircraft training accident. She also took the time to share a conversation she had with a spouse of a deployed Bagram Airman.

"I really wanted to do this tour. I receive so many calls every night from people who have loved ones in harm's way, and my heart breaks thinking about the fear they live with every day," said Delilah. "I hope that by visiting the troops and bringing them some holiday cheer, they will feel the love and respect we have for them each and every day."

The Operation Season's Greetings tour is an annual event sponsored by Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Europe and the Air Force Reserve Recruiting Service with performances at several locations in Germany, Turkey and Southwest Asia.

The project started more than nine years ago and was designed as a way to bring entertainment to troops away from home and family during the holidays. This year's effort is a collaboration between the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, the USAFE band along with USAFE Services.

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