The Contingency Operating Base Adder community was treated to a night of high-flying acrobatics and smiling faces, courtesy of the X Games Tour, which made a stop at Memorial Hall June 17.
Jen O'Brien, professional skateboarder from of DeLand, Fla., Jay Eggleston, professional BMX rider from Denver, Anthony Furlong, professional skateboarder from Tampa, Fla., Keri Herman, professional snowboarder from Breckenridge, Colo., and Brad Simms, professional BMX rider from Laplata, Md., came to COB Adder as one of the final stops in their 20-location tour throughout Iraq and Kuwait.
The X Games Tour also stopped at Joint Security Station Al Tib in Maysan Province, where it performed for the Soldiers of Company A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, both units with 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
"We wanted to come over and support the troops," Eggleston said. "We just wanted to do what we could to boost morale."
After the performers introduced themselves and voiced their appreciation for the Soldiers, the show began.
With music vibrating the walls of Memorial Hall, Eggleston and Simms performed a BMX demonstration. Despite not having ramps, they were able to perform tricks with just the floor and their imagination.
Simms displayed some spontaneity by incorporating everything from jumping over tables to jumping over service members.
"I just like to get the crowd into it," Simms said. "A lot of people don't get to see bike-riding like this, not to mention, be a part of it."
After the demonstration, the performers signed autographs and took pictures with audience members. They also gave away memorabilia, including X Games Tour t-shirts for volunteers who helped with the demonstrations.
The X Games Tour brought a lasting experience for Soldiers as well as the performers, Eggleston said.
"[S]ome of the Soldiers, who were telling me that they've been here three or four times, can see the difference since they first came," he said. "Hearing from actual Soldiers, saying that 'We have made a difference,' affected me and makes me think that's something I can believe in."
Social Sharing