Country Star Visits Camp Fallujah

America Supports You ^ | Nov 29, 2005 | Lance Cpl. Josh Cox

[SandRat]

CAMP FALLUJAH, Nov. 29, 2005 - Servicemembers deployed here had the opportunity to sing along to the honky-tonk hits of country artist Aaron Tippin Nov. 26.

The country artist, along with other musicians representing Nashville’s talent, performed an acoustic set for servicemembers during a special Thanksgiving concert.

“[Tippin] opened with my favorite song,” said Lance Cpl. Erin Sextonson, Marine Integrated Maintenance Management Systems clerk, Engineer Platoon, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (FWD). “I would say this has probably been one of the most memorable events in my deployment.”

Stars for Stripes, a non-profit organization aimed to boost morale among troops serving in the armed forces, sponsored the tour.

Before the show, Tippin said performing and interacting with the troops in a combat environment is something very special to him, and to the people involved in the tour.

“It’s very important, especially nowadays,” Tippin said, just before hitting the stage. “It’s something I’ve been doing for a long time. I started back in 1990 with Bob Hope during the Gulf War (Saudi Arabia), and that’s where it all got going. [Performing overseas] has just been a great friendship for the past 15 years; it’s something I try to do.”

Tippin has played honky-tonk for troops around the globe, but this tour marks his first in Iraq.

“This is the first time I’ve been to Iraq,” he said. “We’ve been to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Qatar and all kinds of places to entertain the troops.”

Before entertaining fans on the stage of the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., Tippin was a commercial pilot. For Tippin, being transported in different military aircraft throughout the years has been a highlight of the tours.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “Most of the time, the aviators that are flying realize that I am an aviator, and they always want to show me their goods. I had a real treat yesterday; my son-in-law is a Black Hawk pilot for the South Carolina Air National Guard, so he hauled me around. That was a really special day.”

Tippin along with musicians Mark Johnson and David Sloas performed some of his biggest hits during the Camp Fallujah show. The single “You’ve Got to Stand for Something,” a patriotic song that launched Tippin’s career, was a favorite among the troops.

“I’ve had the opportunity down through the years to write songs that are either exactly patriotic, or certainly apply to people of that same nature,” he said. “That has been a rewarding part of my career. I’ve had a chance to write and record some songs that really grew close to my heart.”

At the end of the concert, Tippin gave his thanks to the troops for their efforts in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and gave them words of encouragement.

“Get ‘r done, and get ‘r home,” said Tippin, while walking off stage to meet and greet with fans.

[SandRat]

Country music star Aaron Tippin performs for Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen Nov. 26, 2005 in Camp Fallujah. Tippin spent his Thanksgiving tour in Iraq, entertaining the troops and showing his support for the military. Photo by YN2 Scott R. Beutler

Marines sing along with country artist Aaron Tippin during a special Thanksgiving concert held here Nov. 26, 2005. Tippin has played honky-tonk for troops around the globe, but this tour marks his first in Iraq. Photo by Lance Cpl. Josh Cox

Country artist Aaron Tippin signs on autograph for a Marine during his visit to Camp Fallujah, Iraq Nov. 26, 2005. The country artist, along with other musicians representing Nashville’s talent, performed an acoustic set for service members during a special Thanksgiving Day concert. Photo by Lance Cpl. Josh Cox

[SandRat]

County Star Supports the Troops.

[sit-rep]

BTTT!!

[ShadowDancer]

Kiss This is my favorite by him. Very cool song.

[Tax-chick]

My, he's looking older! He's a long-time favorite of ours, so it's nice to see this.

[lysie]

Thanks for posting this.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thank goodness there are entertainers like Aaron Tippin willing to go out to the different camps away from the big places.

[LucyJo]

"Thank goodness there are entertainers like Aaron Tippin willing to go out to the different camps away from the big places."
=====
Yes!...and God bless them for it.

Those are fabulous pics!...Thanks,SR.

[NorthernTraveler]

In '92 Aaron played in a town fair near here... small town of about 800.

After the concert he came out to meet and greet the fans... he stayed until EVERYONE got a chance to say 'Hi' and get their picture taken with him. Real down to earth guy.

Country stars generally tend to support the troops (the Ditzy Blitzes being the exception) and many are willing to go see them and perform for them.

This is why I love country music... real people telling real stories about life.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[7thson]

I like a lot of his songs. One song I like very much but does not get much air play is Honky Tonk Superman.

Well, down at the factory, I'm never late

I'm a mild mannered man who pulls his weight

I give a hundred percent, I don't ever stop

'Til Friday evening when I punch that clock

Then I disappear until the weekend's through

And you'll never guess who I turn into

I'm a honky-tonk superman

Ready or not, I'm back again

Dancing on the tables

And swinging from the chandeliers

I'm a honky-tonk superman

That's who I really am

A real rebel, dare-devil

Honky-tonkin' superman

Everybody's waiting for my next move

Last night I broke the record for acting a fool

My favorite waitress said I went a little too far

When I came roller skating down the top of the bar

Now, don't blame me for just having fun

The never should have bet me that it couldn't be done

('Cause)

I'm a honky-tonk superman

Ready or not, I'm back again

Dancing on the tables

And swinging from the chandeliers

I'm a honky-tonk superman

That's who I really am

A real rebel, dare-devil

Honky-tonkin' superman

Hey, look up there on the neon sign

It's a bird, it's a plane, Lord, he's lost his mind

Oh, it's just honky-tonk superman

Ready or not, I'm back again

Dancing on the tables

And swinging from the chandeliers

Whoa, yeah, I'm a honky-tonk superman

Yeah, that's who I really am

A real rebel, dare-devil, honky-tonkin' superman

Yeah, sure enough, real tough, honky-tonk superman