Toby Keith Comes to Redstone Arsenal

By Mr Jason B. Cutshaw (USASMDCARSTRAT)June 3, 2011

Toby Keith Comes to Redstone Arsenal
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. " Country Music fans were treated to an evening of music and patriotism as Toby Keith performed on Redstone Arsenal on May 28.

The show was courtesy of the Army Concert Tour, which brings recording artists to military installations.

“I think this is a great opportunity for us to engage with the community,” said Col. John S. Hamilton, Redstone Arsenal garrison commander. “We have made this open to everyone in the area, and they get to come in and enjoy a little bit of Army entertainment.

“Toby Keith is a huge star, and it is great to get him here,” Hamilton said. “This is an opportunity for all of us to get together and enjoy the holiday weekend but also a chance to remember what Memorial Day weekend is about. It should be a great concert.”

Opening acts, Mockingbird Sun and Gloriana, kicked off the show.

A relatively new band, Mockingbird Sun formed in Nashville and released the songs “That Girl Tonight,” “I Got Your Back,” “Redemption Road” and “Hard Habit to Break.”

Gloriana, known for their 2009 single “Wild at Heart,” won the Academy of Country Music’s Award for Top New Vocal Group in 2010. Other songs by Gloriana include “Wanna Take You Home,” “The World is Ours Tonight” and “How Far Do You Wanna Go?”

“We are glad to be supporting the Army family and this great community,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Ricky P. Yates, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command senior enlisted adviser. “And this community, having a large amount of retirees, whether they are officers or enlisted or warrant officers, they really support the service members here. And it is great to have some of the top performers come here and play at the installation.

“I am a Toby Keith fan. I have seen him perform before, and I am looking forward to having a great time,” Yates added.

Keith performed for nearly two hours and performed songs such as “ Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now,” “I Wanna Talk About Me,” “Who’s Your Daddy?” and “Beer For My Horses” among others and finished up with “American Soldier,” and “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue (The Angry American).”

“It’s good to be out here to support the service members and their family members at this great event,” said Sabrina Forrest, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Sales and Marketing. “Most of all, I get to work and love my job as we support Redstone Arsenal and the surrounding communities.

“This is a great event, and everyone is having fun,” she added. “This is a great way to kick off the summer, and we are all looking forward to a great show.”

Since 2002, Keith, the son of an Army veteran, has partnered with the United Service Organization and performed for more than 150,000 troops around the world.

“This was one of the best birthday gifts ever,” said Kelly Yelle who came from Grape Creek, N.C., with her husband David, to enjoy the concert on her birthday. “This has been a great concert. I am a huge Toby Keith fan and being here with friends and family has made today all the more special.”

Yelle talked about how special it was to be on a military installation and show her support for the military during the Memorial Day weekend.

“I am a proud supporter of our Soldiers and to be here in the middle of all these heroes means a lot to me this weekend,” Yelle said. “When you think about all those who have sacrificed so we can be here today and enjoy this remarkable event, you have to just bow your head and thank God to be living in the greatest country on earth. God bless America and God bless our Soldiers.”