Country music star shows appreciation for military

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shane Sharp
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFPN) --  One of country music’s biggest stars visited Colorado Springs to thank the troops with a free concert May 21.

Tim McGraw and the Dance Hall Doctors played to more than 20,000 area military members at Pershing Field on Fort Carson.

“The band and crew were completely enthused at the chance to come here,” said McGraw. “We had a week off and figured there’s no better thing we could do than stop off and thank the troops. It’s a privilege and honor to be here.”

Country music has traditionally been a large supporter of the military, and McGraw is no exception.

“There’s nothing more American than camouflage and country music,” said McGraw. “Whether you believe in a mission or not, when these guys go over there and put their lives on the line, you’ve got to be behind them 100 percent.”

That kind of support goes a long way.

“It’s nice to know there are people out there who appreciate us protecting them,” said Airman 1st Class Corrine Buth from the10th Medical Group here.

The same sentiments echoed throughout the crowd.

“Things like this mean a lot to the troops,” said Senior Master Sgt. Chris Macmullin, of the Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center. “It’s nice to be appreciated.”

Airman Crystal Chenard and Staff Sgts. Christy Gravitt and Leahanna Neas, all from the 21st Space Wing Operations Center here, begged their way up to the front of the crowd before the show began.

“We had to convince some nice Army guys to let us stand in front of them,” said Gravitt. “We’re so excited to be here.”

“It’s great to know that someone actually appreciates what we’re doing,” said Chennard.

“It really shows support when people like Tim McGraw take time to say thanks,” said Neas.

“It really means a lot,” said Robin Brooks, whose husband is in Iraq with the Army. “When he left, he wasn’t feeling so appreciated with all of the protests against operations in Iraq. It would make him feel good.”

Brooks, who was gathered with other women whose husbands are in the same unit, said she almost didn’t attend the concert.

“I was staying with my parents two hours away and decided to come back for the concert hoping to find some strength and support,” she said.

That’s what the concert was all about.

“We wanted to give families a break, just a relief for a couple hours not to have to think about all the stuff that's going on in the world and not to have to think about somebody being gone,” said McGraw.

With signs like “My daddy thanks you” and “My daddy’s got your back” waving in the crowd, McGraw saluted to thank everone for their service and sacrifices.

“We appreciate what you do and what your families go through,” said McGraw. “There’s nowhere else we’d rather be tonight.”