Base Airmen see big country music stars for free

  • Published
  • By Derek Kaufman
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Airmen from units across this sprawling base and their families braved bright sunshine at the Jamboree in the Hills festival in Morristown, Ohio last week. They were provided free VIP concert tickets by the America Supports You organization, donated courtesy of Toyota.

Chief Master Sgt. Kent Smith, 88th Air Base Wing command chief here, was provided 100 free tickets to distribute to deserving Airmen and their families as a thank you from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., a corporate supporter of America Supports You. The tickets could be used all four days, July 17 - 20. During 2008, Toyota is providing military members over 1,000 complimentary tickets to enjoy concerts where Brooks & Dunn perform.

"It was an awesome experience," said Senior Airman Samantha Paris-Harvey, an information manager with the 88th Air Base Wing and self-proclaimed "big country music fan."

With high temperatures forecasted, Paris-Harvey acknowledged it took a little coaxing to get her husband James to join her for the three-hour drive across Ohio to attend the concert on Saturday and Sunday. But free tickets, VIP treatment and the opportunity to see legends like Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, Loretta Lynn and Neal McCoy made the trip unforgettable she said. She called 'Reba' her favorite musical artist.

Capt. Rick Orcutt, a developmental engineer working on his masters degree at the Air Force Institute of Technology here, attended the concert Sunday with his wife Rindy. He said a brief downpour from a passing thunderstorm right before Loretta Lynn took the stage couldn't dampen the spirits of country music fans at the festival.

"It was a fun time all around with great music," said Orcutt, a Loretta Lynn fan since he was a kid. "The staff was very gracious and we really appreciate their support."

America Supports You is a Department of Defense program that provides opportunities for citizens, organizations and businesses to show their support for members of the Armed Forces.

The program was launched in 2004 to provide a way for Americans eager to recognize people serving in the military at home and abroad and thank them for their service. More than 300 non-profit "homefront groups" provide assistance ranging from troop entertainment and gift cards to frequent flyer miles and scholarships.

The America Supports You website, www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil, provides a one-stop location for citizens and service members to connect with hundreds organizations eager to help. 

No Federal endorsement of sponsors intended.