Nashville ‘Bad Boy’ Toby Keith in Kirkuk

By Spc. Anna-Marie Hizer, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

1BCT soldiers listen to country music star, Toby Keith
KIRKUK, Iraq (May 28, 2006) Soldiers and airmen from 1st Brigade Cobat Team’s Area of Operations listen to country music star, Toby Keith, perform at Forward Operating Base Warrior today. Keith spent the Memorial Day holiday traveling across Iraq to entertain service members.

KIRKUK, Iraq – Service members and civilians stationed at Forward Operating Base Warrior braved the late-May heat for a special Memorial Day treat.

Country music star, and one of Nashville’s ‘bad boys,’ Toby Keith, spent his holiday weekend touring Iraq, entertaining military members.

Keith performed many of his hit songs for troops, including Beer for My Horses, Should’ve Been a Cowboy, Weed with Willie and American Soldier. He also performed a new song, soon to be released under his new record label, Show Dog Records.

Keith said his motivation for braving the harsh Iraqi desert is simple – to be with American heroes.

Colonel David Gray, commander, 1BCT thanks country music star Toby Keith
Colonel David Gray, commander, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Ariborne Division, thanks country music star Toby Keith following his performance for personnel at Forward Operating Base Warrior.

“It’s for you guys,” he said. “That’s why we come out here for 17 days every year.”

Keith also noted that he had the opportunity to perform for Soldiers and family members at Fort Sill, Okla., Keith’s home state, and he has an even greater appreciation not only for what service members do, but for what families go through during deployments.

The Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and civilians in attendance applauded and cheered for the performer, despite the fact that Beer for My Horses made some troops noticeably homesick.

Following Keith’s concert, he posed with fans for group photos before heading to the Warrior pool for lunch and more photo opportunities.

Keith’s tour continues with one more stop before heading back to the states where, as he says, he will continue to do whatever he can to support the troops.

Toby Keith, performs for Soldiers and airmen at FOB Warrior
KIRKUK, Iraq (May 28, 2006)- Country music star, Toby Keith, performs for Soldiers and airmen at Forward Operating Base Warrior today. Keith spent the Memorial Day holiday traveling across Iraq to entertain service members.

Spc. Anna-Marie Hizer is a journalist and photographer with 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Iraq