FORT STEWART, Ga. -- Rodney Adkins, country music artist, headlined a celebration at Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 14, in honor of the Army's 242nd Birthday.
Adkins addressed the crowd a few songs in thanking "his people," as he sings in his 2013 hit song "These are my people," for their service. He told hundreds of military service members and their Families he wanted to play as though they were hanging out on the front porch with a corn hole set nearby.
"It is an honor to come and hang out with you guys," Adkins said.
Military service members and their Families populated Newman Field for the Honoring Our Heroes event, which included a barbecue and free private concert.
The concert featured Adkins as the headliner, along with Brooke Eden - country music artist and former American Idol contestant, as the opener.
"We're very excited to bring service members and their Families together on the 242nd Army birthday," said Regina Wages, United Service Organizations director for Fort Stewart, who spent the last seven and a half years working for the USO in Afghanistan.
The above 90-degree temperatures didn't stop the hundreds of attendees from pitching their lawn chairs, laying their blankets and enjoying an afternoon of entertainment.
"Fort Stewart, man, how cool is this?" Adkins said. "Actually, how hot is this, really?"
The event began at 1 p.m. with food being served, including a cake cutting for the Army's birthday and topped off with the two-act concert.
Wages said the event was a chance for Families and service members to enjoy the installation outside of work.
Chelsea Smith, military Family member said she brought her three kids for the barbecue and the entertainment.
"It's awesome that the installation is interest in bringing (the artists) on for us, but then also that the artists are willing to come out and participate for us," Smith said.
Megan Ginnup joined Smith for the event and brought her three children as well.
"Where we're stationed, being a little bit from Savannah, it is nice to have something in our own backyard that we don't have to drive an hour for," Ginnup said.
The USO, Kroger and Coca-Cola sponsored the event. They provided attendees with free water, Coca-Cola, BBQ, sides, and desserts as well as goodie bags and souvenir t-shirts throughout the event.
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