Fans welcome 'Idol' star to JBLM

By Laura M. LeveringOctober 4, 2010

'Idol" star visits JBLM
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Like many who join the military, Adam Lambert was looking to increase his opportunities when he decided to pursue a life change. He was an actor in Los Angeles making ends meet with regular theater gigs, and although he was comfortable, it just wasn't enough.

"I felt kind of stagnant," said the 28-year-old California native.

Lambert's cast mates and family constantly encouraged him to audition for the reality TV series, "American Idol" as a means to break through in the entertainment industry he was already working so hard in. After a lot of convincing and motivation, Lambert finally took a shot at it, and wound up finishing as the runner-up during the eighth season of American Idol in May 2009.

Since reaching stardom, Lambert has kept busy writing music and performing at sold-out shows. Still, the singer and songwriter made time to stop by Joint Base Lewis-McChord to show his appreciation for his fans and Soldiers alike.

"This is a demographic that I'm not as familiar with, and I think that it's really cool to be able to come into a situation like this," Lambert said.

Close to 1,000 screaming fans - from school-age to retiree - greeted Lambert at the Post Exchange on Sept. 21 as he pulled up to the main entrance and embraced the welcome.

Army and Air Force Exchange Services general manager, Patrick McGhee, said Lambert was one of only a couple entertainers performing at the Puyallup Fair this year willing to take time from their schedules for a "meet and greet" session for the troops and families.

"Some people say they support the troops, and other people prove it," McGhee said. "Adam is one of those who proves it, and he's a big hit with a lot of people... especially military families."

Lambert said the decision to visit JBLM was an easy one. Although he had little interaction with the military prior to his visit to JBLM, Lambert has always looked up to those willing to serve in the military.

"I have a lot of respect for people who are willing to go out there and fight for our country even if they have kids and (a spouse) at home," Lambert said. "There's something really brave about that."

Ashleigh Charbonneua, was one of those kids whose parent is serving. Beyond thrilled to meet Lambert, the 18-year-old said his visit showed that not all celebrities are out of touch with the reality of what's going on outside of Hollywood.

"It shows that just because they're celebrities, they still have time for the people who are fighting to keep them safe," Charbonneua said. "Rather than ignoring it, they're coming out to the military bases to show their support when they could easily forget about it."

Lambert said he hopes his visit serves as a testament that regardless of a person's stance on the current conflicts, the nation is behind our troops and what they do.

"Given our situation with our country right now, especially in the Middle East, I think that there are people who are really sacrificing a lot ... And whether or not you agree with it politically, these (service members) are putting their lives in danger, and I have a lot of respect for that."

Laura M. Levering is a reporter with Joint Base Lewis-McChord's weekly newspaper, the Northwest Guardian