GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - An American country music artist and U.S. Army veteran, Craig Morgan, flew into to Bavaria, Germany to perform at the 57th German-American Volksfest in Grafenwoehr, Jul. 31- Aug. 2, 2015. Before his performance, he took time to visit with Troopers assigned to 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment at Rose Barracks, located near Grafenwoehr, to view their day-to-day activities.
His visit was much like his number one song on the U.S. country charts in 2002 "Coming home," as he too donned the U.S. Army uniform for more than nine years as a forward observer for the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions before hanging up his uniform for the guitar. His visit proved to be a morale booster for the Troopers their unit.
"As a leader you learn how important it is to build morale amongst your Soldiers and when you have an opportunity to build that morale, it becomes a great way for Noncommissioned officers to bring their units together," said Sgt. 1st Class James Calfa, a squadron platoon sergeant. "When I told my Soldiers that Craig Morgan was coming to visit us, at our motor pool, in our work place, it gave them joy; that joy was unexplainable."
On the day of Morgan's visit, the Troopers routinely reported to their unit, where Friday normally marks the end of the duty week and the start of some much needed time away from training. This particular Friday was the first day of the Volksfest and much to their surprise, they were greeted by Morgan who said performing for Soldiers humbles him.
"It's very rewarding to myself and the band to perform for Soldiers and in turn it becomes our greatest shows," said Morgan. "Whether we perform over seas, in a combat zone or at home, we enjoy it because I know first hand of the sacrifices Soldiers make, so it's always great for me to be given the opportunity to entertain them."
Hundreds of Soldiers and their families attended the Fest and surrounded the stage as Morgan, with his guitar in hand, performed alongside his bandsmen for the large crowd in attendance.
Morgan, who is a co-writer and singer of country hit songs dating back to 2000, played several of his hits like Coming Home, That's what I love about Sunday, More Trucks than Cars, This Ole Boy and many other songs.
It may have been a humbling experience for Morgan but his performance was an uplifting event for Soldiers, family members and the local residents.
"Listening to Craig Morgan sing my favorite songs reminded me of being at home," said Brittni N. Martin, the spouse of Pfc. Joseph Martin, a Trooper assigned to 1st Squadron. "He is very well known and loved by us."
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