Rockin' CountryFest

July 30, 2012

By Jamie L. Carson, Combined Arms Support Command Public Affairs Office

  • Even though the show was running behind schedule, Darius Rucker, country music artist, took the time to meet with U.S. Army personnel from Beckley Recruiting Battalion and the Transportation Corps before taking stage at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va., July 29.

    Timing is Everything

    Even though the show was running behind schedule, Darius Rucker, country music artist, took the time to meet with U.S. Army personnel from Beckley Recruiting Battalion and the Transportation Corps before taking stage at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen...

  • U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company Future Soldiers stand ready to meet Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va., July 29. Later on stage before more than 6,500 country music fans, Farmen administered the oath of enlistment to the Future Soldiers.

    At Attention

    U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company Future Soldiers stand ready to meet Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va., July 29...

  • Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, talks about selfless service with Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion, at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va., July 29. Later on stage before more than 6,500 country music fans, Farmen administered the oath of enlistment to the Future Soldiers.

    Guiding the future force

    Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, talks about selfless service with Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion, at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va...

  • Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, offers advice to Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion, at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va., July 29.

    From the Top

    Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, offers advice to Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion, at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va., July 29.

  • Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, talks about the symbolism behind the Transportation Corps' coin, before giving coins to Future Soldiers, assigned to the U.S Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company, while at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va., July 29. Later on stage before more than 6,500 country music fans, Farmen administered the oath of enlistment to the Future Soldiers.

    Coining the Future

    Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, talks about the symbolism behind the Transportation Corps' coin, before giving coins to Future Soldiers, assigned to the U.S Army Beckley...

  • Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, presents a coin to a Richmond Recruiting Company's Future Soldier while at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va., July 29. Later on stage before more than 6,500 country music fans, Farmen administered the oath of enlistment to the Future Soldiers.

    Coining the Future

    Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, presents a coin to a Richmond Recruiting Company's Future Soldier while at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va., July 29. Later on stage before...

  • Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of the Transportation School, Combined Arms Support Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord, Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, pose for a photo with Beckley Recruiting Battalion Future Soldiers. Farmen administered the oath of enlistment to the Future Soldiers before the start of K95's CountryFest 2012 July 29 in front of more than 6,500 cheering fans.

    Meeting Leaders and Future Soldiers

    Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of the Transportation School, Combined Arms Support Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord, Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, pose for...

  • Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, and Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, talk with Catfish, K95's morning radio host, who later introduced Farmen and Offord to the crowd at CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va.

    Introductions all Around

    Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, and Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, talk with Catfish, K95's morning radio host...

  • Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, takes center stage along with 27 Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company, July 29 at CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va. During a ceremony opening for Darius Rucker, Farmen administered the oath of enlistment to the Future Soldiers in front of more than 6,500 cheering fans.

    Taking center stage

    Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, takes center stage along with 27 Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company, July 29 at CountryFest in...

  • Although they didn't sing, Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, and Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, had the fans at the 2012 CountryFest on their feet cheering July 29 at the Innsbrook Pavilion in Glen Allen, Va.

    Opening Act

    Although they didn't sing, Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, and Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, had the fans at...

  • Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, introduces his battle buddy, Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, to the more than 6,500 fans at CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va.

    Battle Buddies

    Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, introduces his battle buddy, Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, to the more than...

  • Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, waves to the crowd at CountryFest July 29 at the Innsbrook Pavilion in Glen Allen, Va. Offord energized the sea of fans with his personal Army Strong story.

    A Hooah Welcome

    Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, waves to the crowd at CountryFest July 29 at the Innsbrook Pavilion in Glen Allen, Va. Offord energized the sea of fans with his personal Army Strong...

  • Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, energizes the crowd at CountryFest before an oath of enlistment ceremony on stage with Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion, July 29 at the Innsbrook Pavilion in Glen Allen, Va.

    'I say Hooah'

    Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, energizes the crowd at CountryFest before an oath of enlistment ceremony on stage with Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion...

  • Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, pumps up the crowd at the 2012 CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va., before administering the oath of enlistment on stage to 27 Future Soldiers from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company.

    Energizing the Crowd

    Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, pumps up the crowd at the 2012 CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va., before administering the oath of enlistment on stage to 27 Future Soldiers...

  • On stage and in front of more than 6,500 country music fans, Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, administers the oath of enlistment to 27 Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company, July 29 at CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va.

    Commitment to Service

    On stage and in front of more than 6,500 country music fans, Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, administers the oath of enlistment to 27 Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley...

  • On stage and in front of more than 6,500 country music fans, Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, administers the oath of enlistment to 27 Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company, July 29 at CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va.

    Swearing In

    On stage and in front of more than 6,500 country music fans, Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, administers the oath of enlistment to 27 Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley...

  • On stage and in front of more than 6,500 country music fans, Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, administers the oath of enlistment to 27 Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company, July 29 at CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va.

    Commitment to Service

    On stage and in front of more than 6,500 country music fans, Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, administers the oath of enlistment to 27 Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley...

  • More than 6,500 country music fans cheer for the U.S. Army as 27 Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company, take center stage before an oath of enlistment ceremony July 29 at CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va.

    Cheering for the Army

    More than 6,500 country music fans cheer for the U.S. Army as 27 Future Soldiers, from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company, take center stage before an oath of enlistment ceremony July 29 at CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va.

  • Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of the Transportation School, Combined Arms Support Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord, Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, meet with K95 radio host Catfish. The transporters had the opportunity to meet Catfish prior to the Future Soldier swear-in ceremony during K95's CountryFest 2012 July 29.

    Meet and Greet

    Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of the Transportation School, Combined Arms Support Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord, Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major, meet with...

  • Darius Rucker, country music artist, signs autographs for Future Soldiers before taking the stage at CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va. The Future Soldiers told Rucker they were huge fans of his music, and Rucker said he was of a fan of theirs and all U.S. military personnel.

    Everyone is a Fan

    Darius Rucker, country music artist, signs autographs for Future Soldiers before taking the stage at CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va. The Future Soldiers told Rucker they were huge fans of his music, and Rucker said he was of a fan of theirs and...

  • Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, meets with Darius Rucker, country music artist, before Rucker performed at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va. Rucker also met with Soldiers and Future Soldiers from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company.

    From One Star to Another

    Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, meets with Darius Rucker, country music artist, before Rucker performed at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va. Rucker also met with Soldiers...

  • Darius Rucker, country music artist, performs at the 2012 CountryFest in Glenn Allen, Va. Before taking center stage Rucker met with Soldiers and Future Soldiers and thanked them for their service.

    Strengh in Music

    Darius Rucker, country music artist, performs at the 2012 CountryFest in Glenn Allen, Va. Before taking center stage Rucker met with Soldiers and Future Soldiers and thanked them for their service.

  • Darius Rucker, country music artist, sings at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va., July 29. Before taking center stage, Rucker met with Soldiers and Future Soldiers and thanked them for their service.

    It was more than 'Alright' at the 2012 CountryFest

    Darius Rucker, country music artist, sings at the 2012 CountryFest in Glen Allen, Va., July 29. Before taking center stage, Rucker met with Soldiers and Future Soldiers and thanked them for their service.

  • Capt. Randy Agnew (right), Richmond Recruiting Company commander, escorts Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, during a tour of the 2012 CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va. The company was at the event recruiting, and Farmen supported by administering the oath of enlistment to 27 of the company's Future Soldiers on stage at the concert.

    Touring CountryFest

    Capt. Randy Agnew (right), Richmond Recruiting Company commander, escorts Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, during a tour of the 2012 CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va. The...

  • Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, meets with Soldiers, assigned to the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company, while at the 2012 CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va. Farmen supported the local recruiting efforts and Future Soldier function by administering the oath of enlistment to 27 of the company's Future Soldiers on stage at the concert.

    Joining Recruiting Efforts

    Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of Transportation School, meets with Soldiers, assigned to the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company, while at the 2012 CountryFest July 29 in Glen...

  • Country music fans lined up to demonstrate their strength in the Army Strong Zone at the 2012 CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va.

    Are You Strong Enough?

    Country music fans lined up to demonstrate their strength in the Army Strong Zone at the 2012 CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va.

  • After talking with a U.S. Army recruiting, Tucker High School students, Amber Zarger and Savannah Stewart, play hoops in the Army Strong Zone at the 2012 CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va.

    Boot Shootin'

    After talking with a U.S. Army recruiting, Tucker High School students, Amber Zarger and Savannah Stewart, play hoops in the Army Strong Zone at the 2012 CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va.

  • Country music has fans of all ages, and so does the U.S. Army. This pint-size fan saluted the Soldiers of the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion in the Army Strong Zone at the 2012 CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va.

    Saluting the U.S. Army

    Country music has fans of all ages, and so does the U.S. Army. This pint-size fan saluted the Soldiers of the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion in the Army Strong Zone at the 2012 CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va.

  • The U.S. Army was out in force at the 2012 CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va.

    Recruiting Country Fans

    The U.S. Army was out in force at the 2012 CountryFest July 29 in Glen Allen, Va.

GLEN ALLEN, Va. -- In a sea of cowboy boots and Stetsons, a group of combat boots, berets and patrol caps stood out as the U.S. Army took center stage at the 2012 K95 CountryFest July 29.

For the second year in a row, CountryFest invited the U.S. Army to open the show with an oath of enlistment ceremony, which took place right before the event's featured performer, Darius Rucker, took to the stage. In front of more than 6,500 fans, Catfish, one of K95's radio morning hosts, introduced Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, U.S. Army Chief of Transportation and commandant of the Transportation School, and Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., the 11th Transportation Regimental command sergeant major. The Transportation School, at Fort Lee, is a part of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command.

Farmen and Offord took a tag-team approach on stage as they energized the crowd at Innsbrook. They shared their personal Army Strong stories, which included Farmen's college years spent at the University of Richmond with the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, and Offord's son who recently joined the ranks of the U.S. Army. Farmen and Offord described Soldiers' commitment and selfless service as they explained the meaning of the oath of enlistment to the fans before the ceremony.

Then Farmen administered the oath of enlistment to 27 Future Soldiers from the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion's Richmond Company. After staying silent throughout the oath, the crowd erupted in applause shouting "Hooah" after the ceremony.

The group exited the stage and then had the opportunity to meet Rucker, who took pictures with them and signed autographs. The Future Soldiers told the country music star that they were huge fans, but it was Rucker who was a bigger fan of them, he said. Right before heading on stage, Rucker thanked the Army for their commitment to serve their country.

Page last updated Mon July 30th, 2012 at 00:00