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Celebrities Thank Troops At Thanksgiving Concert
(November 26, 2009) |
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The Lieutenant Dan Band performs for troops Nov. 23, 2009, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Susan Tracy |
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BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (11/24/2009 - AFNS) -- Gary Sinise and the
Lieutenant Dan Band made their first appearance in Afghanistan performing for
hundreds of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Coast Guard members Nov. 23 here.
This visit is one in a long line of entertainment and celebrity visits to boost
morale of servicemembers who are away from home and their loved ones during the
holidays, said Col. Edward Shock, the Armed Forces Entertainment director.
That sentiment of thanking the troops during the holidays was echoed by the
visitors.
"We understand and appreciate your sacrifice. We do not take you for granted,"
Mr. Sinise told the crowd. "We're grateful for you and your service and the
sacrifice of your loved ones back home. Your families sacrifice so much, so
often and we know they miss you. Thank you."
Mr. Sinise also visited a remote Army outpost near the Pakistan border where he
met with Soldiers and distributed humanitarian supplies to more than 50 Afghan
children. |
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While Mr. Sinise visited the remote outpost, other actors visited the Craig
Joint Theater Hospital at Bagram Airfield to meet the staff and visit with
patients.
"You all have a first-rate facility," said actor Mykelti Williamson, also known
as Bubba from the "Forrest Gump" movie. "You're using equipment and techniques
that we're not even seeing in the states.
"I am so grateful for their sacrifice," he continued. "I pray to God daily for
the men and women who go through there."
Comedian Kevin Farley, actress Kristy Swanson and television personality LeeAnn
Tweeden visited troops. The visit was a partnership between AFE, the USO and
American Airlines.
"I think it's really good they're here supporting the troops," said Staff Sgt.
Henrie Young, from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Safety Office before a
thunderous applause from a cover of Neil Young's "Teenage Wasteland."
The Lieutenant Dan Band has traveled all over the world playing popular music
and visiting servicemembers and families, including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the
Korean Demilitarized Zone and many other remote military bases. The band name
was chosen because Mr. Sinise was constantly recognized by a character he played
in the movie "Forrest Gump" called Lieutenant Dan. | |
By USAF Capt. David Faggard
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Copyright 2009
Reprinted from
Air Force News Service
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