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