By 1st Lt. G. Elizabeth Brown
1538th Trans. Co., 419th CSSB, 10th SBDE
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers of the 1538th Transportation Company, 419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, had the opportunity to relax and enjoy a USO show with musician David Cook.
The 1538th Soldiers, an Indiana National Guard company from Elkhart, Ind., are nearing the end of their yearlong deployment to Iraq and this was an event that definitely brought sunshine to the troops who are deployed.
“It was very exciting to separate myself from Iraq for a moment and enjoy the concert,” said Capt. Phillip Anderson, form Plainfield, Ind., who is the commander of the 1538th Transportation Company. “David Cook rocked the stage and reminded us of the support we have back home,” said Anderson.
For well over an hour, the musician entertained the service members and brought calm to the day to day military life each Soldier deals with in Iraq while they are away from home and loved ones.
“It was fun,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brian Kabay, a North Liberty, Ind. native, who is the Maintenance Technician for the 1538th. “I would go again.”
“It was a great time; he played a good variety of music. I think that anytime someone comes into perform a show, whether it is a concert, a meet and greet or whatever the case may be, it is great for the service members to be able to get away for a few hours,” said Kabay.
This is the second concert that the company has been able to see by the USO since being deployed. They brighten the spirits of the Soldiers and make a difference to troops who are deployed.
“David Cook was very personable and took the time after the concert to sign autographs and take photos with all who wanted to,” said Anderson.
“It was very fun, it was just a time to forget about work and hang out with friends and not worry about anything,” said Spc. Jeremy Bontrager, a native of Goshen, Ind., currently serving with the 1538th. “It means a lot when people come over here to support us because it helps us drive on and lets us know that people from home really do support us and want to see us succeed.”
For many service members this was a great opportunity to see a star that they helped put in the mainstream of music.
Staff Sgt. Loretta Fluck, a Buchanan, Mich. native, said, “I thought it was really great to see a new face in music, especially one that myself and many other Soldiers voted for on American Idol. It is a nice way to release your work stress and have fun with your fellow Soldiers.”
“It was nice that he took time out of his busy schedule to be over here, showing his support for the Soldiers. I very much enjoyed the concert. His meet and greet after the concert was pretty cool too,” said Kabay.
By 1st Lt. G. Elizabeth Brown
