FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Rock band Daughtry performed a free concert to a crowd of about 5,000 Soldiers and Family members Sunday night on the Main Post Parade Field. The USO organized the event with assistance from Fort Bragg's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
Joey Barnes, the band's drummer, said the concert was a chance for the band to give back to the troops and thank them for what they do. Lead singer, Chris Daughtry, agreed and said the band was looking forward to the performance.
"It's been something (the USO) has been wanting us to do for a long time and it's something we've been wanting to do for a long time," said Daughtry. "It worked out because we had the day off and Fort Bragg is close to home."
The crowd was just as anxious to see the 7 p.m. performance.
"We've been here since one o' clock and kicking people out of our spot for the last six hours," said Cassie Kincaid, a Fort Bragg Family member. "I was surprised to find out he was coming here and think it's great that Daughtry is doing a free concert."
Kincaid was there with her friend Ashlee Runge. They said they started planning to attend the concert when it was first announced a month ago for one simple reason - "we love Daughtry."
The band sang many of their fan favorites including "Home," "Life After You," and "It's Not Over."
Like the song, the fans didn't want the show to be over and Daughtry returned to the stage after the last song to perform a three-song encore.
Brandi Hand said she's attended many of the concerts put on by the USO and FMWR with her Family. The parade field was familiar territory as she sat in a lawn chair watching the performance. Hand said she thought it was great that the band came to Fort Bragg and appreciates them supporting Soldiers and their Families.
Daughtry made a point to personally thank the audience during the performance for their service to their country and welcomed those returning from deployments home.
"You make us proud to be Americans," he said.
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