USO brings taste of America to troops

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson
  • 447th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFPN) --  The day began with business as usual for hundreds of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed here to wage the war on terrorism.

Airmen responded to a rocket attack on the airfield while Soldiers set off on operations outside the wire, hunting insurgents who threaten peace and freedom in Iraq.

But by evening, there was a different kind of excitement in the air. Though tired and dirty from the day’s work, troops gathered for a special opportunity -- an opportunity to attend a performance by country music star Toby Keith on May 17.

Brought to Iraq by the United Service Organizations, Mr. Keith has been entertaining the troops across the Operation Iraqi Freedom theater on a whirl-wind tour.

“We bring a little taste of home to our servicemembers who are in harms way in the name of freedom,” said Sarah Farnsworth, USO World Headquarters vice president and chief of staff. “It’s all about the troops and bringing them a special brand of comfort and morale.”

Mr. Keith had a spellbinding effect on the crowd that seemed to melt away, if for only a short while, the stresses of living in a combat zone.

“I’ve had a chance to see how special you all have to be to get the job done,” Mr. Keith said as a hush fell over the crowd. “Most Americans only see you on the news -- they only see the flak vest, helmet and sunglasses -- they don’t see the mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters you leave behind and the things you are accomplishing.”

Many of the troops waved signs, flags and banners throughout the performance while cameras rolled, filming the concert for the American Country Music Awards.

Mr. Keith ended the show with “American Soldier,” and the crowd joined in.

The song was met with an earsplitting, “Hoo-ahh!” and standing ovation as the troops picked up their weapons and prepared to rest for another day at war -- now with a little higher spirits at Mr. Keith’s reminder that some Americans understand and appreciate their sacrifices.