USO brings taste of U.S. to troops

Dick Benoit

Thursday, May 19, 2005 | 8:13 a.m.

The day began with business as usual for hundreds of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines deployed to Sather Air Base to wage the war on terrorism, noted Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson with the 447th Air Expeditionary Group in a release Tuesday from Baghdad.

According to Davidson, airmen responded to a rocket attack on the airfield while soldiers set off on operations outside the wire, hunting for insurgents.

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.

Brought to Iraq by the USO, Keith has been entertaining the troops across the Operation Iraqi Freedom theater on a whirlwind tour.

"We bring a little taste of home to our servicemembers who are in harm's way in the name of freedom," said Sarah Farnsworth, USO World Headquarters vice president and chief of staff.

"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," Davidson said.

"I've had a chance to see how special you all have to be to get the job done," 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 in Las Vegas, which aired Tuesday night on CBS.

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 -- with a little higher spirit at Mr. Keith's reminder that some Americans understand and appreciate their sacrifices," said the Air Force journalist.

In brief