Country Music Star Shines On Troops

April 27, 2008
By Pfc. Christopher M. Gaylord

Toby Keith performs for servicemembers at the Liberty Post Exchange at Camp Liberty in Baghdad April 26. This is Keith's sixth United Services Organizations tour. He will be visiting locations throughout Afghanistan and Iraq. (Photo by Pfc. Christopher M. Gaylord, 13th MPAD)

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Country music star Toby Keith visited and performed for troops on Victory Base Complex April 25 and 26 as part of his sixth United Service Organizations tour. Keith is spending his time meeting with and playing for Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen across Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It's just pretty much get up early, pack a light bag, grab a couple of guitars and hit a couple of forward operating bases," Keith said. "It's always play for a bit and then shake as many hands and take as many pictures as I can before the birds hit."

One thing brought the famous musician here, and that was his vast patriotism, and sincere support for servicemembers and the difficult job they do while deployed, which is evident in his music and performances for military members.

"I just want [the troops] to have a good time, and I want to know when we leave that we brought some sense of home to them, and for a little while maybe it'll lighten their world up and they'll remember what they're fighting for," Keith said. "My father was a Soldier and he set an example, so this is more of a tribute to him than it is to me that I came over here. He taught us when we were kids to respect veterans and the people who serve our country."

Overall, Keith was impressed with how well U.S. forces have adapted over the years since Operation Iraqi Freedom began, and highly confident in their abilities.

"It's a tough war to fight," Keith said. "It's not very conventional, and it's hard to figure out who the enemy is, and these guys get out on the streets and do a hell of job. I'm amazed."

Just as Keith looks up to the troops on the ground, they too look up to him for the inspirational music he writes.

"His songs are an inspiration to all the troops over here," said Capt. Nicole Van Benken, 62nd Medical Brigade. "It makes you motivated to do your job because you feel like you're over here for a purpose. It's great to know that people support you."

While wars may change and the U.S. military may have to readapt numerous times, one thing will always remain, and that's Keith's strong support for all the guys and girls deployed to war zones.

"[Servicemembers] are the never-ending battle for freedom," Keith said.