Charlie Daniels Supports Florida Troops

By Spc. Patrick A. ZieglerMay 16, 2007

Charlie Daniels Supports Florida Troops
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Members of The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band and The Outlaws all take the stage for the grand finale of the Volunteer Jam show held in Tampa, Fla., May 11. Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan had the opportunity to meet Char... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Charlie Daniels Supports Florida Troops
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Renowned musician Charlie Daniels saws his fiddle during the opening number of The Charlie Daniels Band's set at the Volunteer Jam show held in Tampa, Fla., May 11. A strong military supporter, Mr. Daniels paid special tribute to servicemembers in th... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Charlie Daniels Supports Florida Troops
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

TAMPA, Fla. (Army News Service, May 16, 2007) - The Charlie Daniels Band treated Florida veterans to a special performance at the Florida State Fairgrounds' Ford Amphitheater here May 11. The show was the second stop of the 2007 Volunteer Jam Tour.

Before taking the stage, Charlie Daniels met with Soldiers who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I wish that all Americans could spend just one day among the brave men and women who defend this country in Iraq and Afghanistan," Mr. Daniels said. "They live in constant danger in dusty, desolate desert camps, wearing body armor in sweltering weather, missing their loved ones... The American forces are the finest in the world... I can't even articulate my love and admiration for them."

Sgt. Maj. Steve Valley, director of Army Public Affairs-Southeast, organized the military meet-and-greet with the entertainer.

"We were provided great seats for the show and got a chance to meet a music legend who genuinely appreciates the military," Sgt. Maj. Valley said. "It doesn't get much better than that."

Sgt. Jeffery L. Collins of the Florida National Guard's 53d Infantry Brigade Combat Team took the opportunity to tell Mr. Daniels how much he appreciated hearing him on the American Forces Network while he was serving in Afghanistan with Task Force Phoenix. A long time fan of Mr. Daniels, Sgt. Collins said the first CD he ever bought was by Charlie Daniels.

(Spc. Patrick A. Ziegler writes for U.S. Central Command Public Affairs.)