Country Music's Wynonna Judd Pays Tribute to Troops + Pics

DoD-AFPS ^ | May 21, 2004 | Linda D. Kozaryn

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Country Music's Wynonna Judd Pays Tribute to Troops

By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2004 – Marine Gen. Peter Pace blew Wynonna Judd's cover today at a USO concert celebrating National Military Appreciation Month.

Country music superstar Wynonna Judd shakes hands with Marine Cpl. Jamale Jones, a Pentagon tour guide, during a USO concert at the Pentagon May 21. Photo by Linda D. Kozaryn
(Click photo for screen-resolution image); high-resolution image available.

Without fanfare from the press or public, he said, the country music superstar has been quietly doing her part to pay tribute to America's troops.

"She does things she doesn't want to talk about publicly," said Pace, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "When the troops come home to Fort Campbell, Ky., in the middle of the night, she's there to say, 'Thanks.'"

"There's so many things that she has done for all of us behind the scenes, that if we could tell you, it would really tug at your heart," Pace told several hundred service members, civilian employees and family members gathered in the Pentagon courtyard for the 10 a.m. concert.

On behalf of the men and women in uniform, the general thanked the music star "for what you do that we know about."

"But more importantly," he turned and said to Judd, "thank you for what you do that we don't know about."

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld also took time out for the 40-minute concert. He hailed Judd as a "proud patriot and a loyal friend of the United States military." He noted that she's recently visited troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, performed at Fort Campbell and has been "a long time supporter of the USO, performing as far back as 1987.

"She has been a solid friend of U.S. forces defending freedom around the globe," Rumsfeld said.

Judd opened her concert by expressing her appreciation to the Pentagon audience. "I homeschool my kids and everywhere we travel," she said. "I try to talk to them about how privileged we are as a nation. We live in the greatest country in the world. I so appreciate what you all do."

She said she proudly wears a pin presented to her by the 101st Airborne Division, home based at Fort Campbell, and wherever she goes she tells people "quit your complainin'. We are so blessed to have freedom."

Such concerts are a real boost to the troops and employees at the Pentagon, said Kitty Bryk, a civilian employee with the Office of the Secretary of Defense Support Services Division. "It gives us something to look forward to during the summertime and takes our mind off wondering if terrorists are going to hit us again."

Marine Cpl. Jamale Jones, a Pentagon tour guide, said that while his favorite country star is Tim McGraw, he appreciates anyone famous who comes out to show support for the military.

Pfc. Steven Wabrek, a Connecticut National Guardsman with the 143rd Military Police Company, was one of several Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans recuperating at Walter Reed attending the USO concert.

"I was in Iraq from April to Dec. 27, when I was injured by a roadside bomb. I was in bed for six weeks where I couldn't walk or do anything," he said. "I'm doing much better. I'm actually walking now."

Wabrek said he loves seeing entertainers like Judd come out for the troops. "I've seen a lot of important people come out with the USO and meet us and perform for us." He mentioned David Letterman and a couple of wrestlers from Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment whom he saw in Baghdad.

Army Staff Sgt. Derek Brown, a 15-year military veteran with the 351st Military Police Company, from Rocky Mount, N.C., is recovering from an illness at Walter Reed. "I'm doing fine now. I'm ready to go back. I have to wait for the doctors to decide. I have a bond with the troops over there and I'd just like to go back."

Brown, a rhythm and blues fan, also said he appreciates the show of support from stars like Wynonna. "I think it's great that the USO has these tours to uplift the troops."

Judd first reached prominence in 1984 singing with her mother, Naomi. The duo, known as The Judds, sold more than 20 million records worldwide in six years. They won five Grammys, nine Country Music Association Awards and eight Billboard Music Awards. In 2002, Country Music Television named Wynonna and Naomi two of the "40 Greatest Women of Country Music."

Wynonna went solo in 1992. She's had No. 1 albums in 1983, 1993 and 2003. Her sixth solo album, "What the World Needs Now Is Love," hit No. 1 on the Billboard country album chart. Her recently released single, "I Want to Know What Love Is," is already a hit on the adult contemporary charts.

Biographies:
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld
Gen. Peter Pace, USMC

Related Sites:
National Military Appreciation Month
101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell, Ky.
Walter Reed Army Medical Center

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

JAMMIN' WITH WYNONNA

Country music superstar Wynonna Judd shakes hands with Marine Cpl. Jamale Jones, a Pentagon tour guide, during a USO concert at the Pentagon, May 21, 2004. Several hundred service members, family members and Defense Department civilian employees turned out for Judd's 40-minute concert celebrating National Military Appreciation Month. Defense Dept. photo by Linda D. Kozaryn

llllllllllllll  

Country music singer Wynonna Judd performs during her USO Concert at the Pentagon, May 21, 2004. Judd performed for government employees to include Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld (far left) and military personnel recovering from wounds received in Iraq and Afghanistan (seated, front rows). Defense Dept. photo by Helene C. Stikkel

llllllllllllll  

Country music singer Wynonna Judd performs during her USO concert at the Pentagon, May 21, 2004. Defense Dept. photo by Helene C. Stikkel

llllllllllllll  

Wynonna Judd thanks member of the military, their families and DoD civilians for their service during a concert celebrating National Military Appreciation Month, May 21, 2004. Defense Dept. by Salli Sobsey

llllllllllllll  

Country music singer Wynonna Judd performs her USO concert at the Pentagon, May 21, 2004. Enjoying the concert from the stage are, from left: Edward Powell, president and chief executive officer, USO; Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, vice chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld. Defense Dept. photo by Helene C. Stikkel

llllllllllllll  

Country music superstar Wynonna Judd and two backup singers entertain at the Pentagon, May 21, 2004. Defense Dept. by Salli Sobsey

llllllllllllll  

Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom veterans, recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, applaud from their front row seats during Wynonna Judd's May 21, 2004, concert at the Pentagon. Defense Dept. photo by Linda D. Kozaryn

llllllllllllll  

Wynonna Judd said she's proud of America's men and women in uniform and proudly wears a 101st Airborne pin. Defense Dept. photo by Linda D. Kozaryn

llllllllllllll  

Edward Powell (left), president and chief executive officer, USO; Marine Gen. Peter Pace, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld (right) applaud country music superstar Wynonna Judd during her May 21, 2004, concert at the Pentagon celebrating National Military Appreciation Month. Defense Dept. photo by Linda D. Kozaryn

llllllllllllll  

Wynonna Judd greets a young boy and his mother during her National Military Appreciation Month concert May 21, 2004, at the Pentagon. Defense Dept. photo by Linda D. Kozaryn

llllllllllllll  

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

 Marine Gen. Peter Pace blew Wynonna Judd's cover today at a USO concert celebrating National Military Appreciation Month.

Without fanfare from the press or public, he said, the country music superstar has been quietly doing her part to pay tribute to America's troops.

On behalf of the men and women in uniform, the general thanked the music star "for what you do that we know about."

"But more importantly," he turned and said to Judd, "thank you for what you do that we don't know about."

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld also took time out for the 40-minute concert. He hailed Judd as a "proud patriot and a loyal friend of the United States military."

"She has been a solid friend of U.S. forces defending freedom around the globe."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Thank you, Wynona Judd!

              ~ ~

 

[vetvetdoug]

I am happy that Wynonna is doing this for the troops. Maybe some of the time will be put toward her community service she owes because of her DUI's. Maybe more stars caught with DUI's should have to do this.

[Revolting cat!]

God bless Wynonna. Next, she needs to go Atkins (not Chet!) and get a good producer to come back with something like her past performances with Mom and her still tremendous first LP! (OK, call it a "CD", if you hafta be so with it!)

[Ruth A.]

Yeah!

[nutmeg]

ping!

Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my infrequent ‘miscellaneous’ ping list.

[Fiddlstix]

BTTT

[Liberty Valance]

" Maybe more stars caught with DUI's should have to do this."

I believe they like to pick on me and Paul.

We recieved our education in the cities of the Nation Me and Paul...

[vetvetdoug]

Willie eh? I think he gave performances to get the IRS off his joint smoking butt.

[barker]

At the airport in Milwaukee they refused to let us board the plane at all

Said we looked suspicious but I believe they like to pick on me and Paul

Too bad Willie is such a flaming liberal. He's off my play now.

[McGavin999]

A thousand blessings on her.

[barker]

"thank you for what you do that we don't know about."

How refreshing. Bless her.

[lainde]

bttt

[Taquito]

Wynonna be needing some lean cuisine.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

She shines - is beautiful, as is anyone who loves and helps our troops, imho. (^:

[facedown]

A couple more:

Country star Wynonna Judd shakes hands with 6-year-old Chris Bryk during her concert at the Pentagon Friday, May 21, 2004, in recognition of National Military Appreciation Month as Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, right, looks on.

Country star Wynonna Judd performs in a concert at the Pentagon Friday, May 21, 2004, in recognition of National Military Appreciation Month as Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, right, and Marine Gen. Peter Pace, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, look on.

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld (L) greets Country singer Wynonna Judd (news) before her United Services Organization performance for a lunch-time concert at the Pentagon, May 21, 2004. The USO show was part of the Pentagon's National Military Appreciation Month.

[Taquito]

I don't dispute that she is a wonderful person, I'm just saying she is a really fat,wonderful person and should lose some weight.

My wife said I could lose 15 lbs of ugly fat just by cutting off my head.

[LS]

Yet Ashley Judd (very cute) came out in that stupid pro-abort march a week or so ago! Her mom need to spank her.

[Tabi Katz]

Nice to see she has more sense than her sister.

[lonestar]

Maybe more stars caught with DUI's should have to do this.

Glenn Campbell would be singing the rest of his life.