Chely,
Thank you for coming to Iraq and performing for us. I am a
LCPL in the Marine Corp, and attending your concert cheered me up
and temporarily made me forget about missing home, and all of the
stuff I go through over here. Country music is all I listen too, so
I already knew who you were, and already knew how good of a singer
you are, but I didn't know how good of a person you are until I got
to meet you in person. Not only did you come to Iraq and perform
for us, but you also stayed after your performance to meet us and
sign autographs and have pictures taken with us. I kept thinking
that it can't be fun for you to sign autographs and meet people for
hours after you've just finished performing. I grew impatient just
standing in line waiting to meet you, and I was even near the
front. When I did finally meet you, you were very nice and showed a
geniune interest in meeting me. After seeing you perform live, and
meeting you in person, you have dethroned Faith Hill as my favorite
female singer. If you would have given me a little kiss on the
cheek, you might have jumped ahead of George Straight as my favorite
singer overall. Keep that in mind for July 15 because I'm going to
come to your concert in Indiana, PA. Thanks again for supporting
us.
Lcpl Daniel Kreider
****************************************************************************************************************
Chely Wright,
Hello, my name is Lcpl Jeffery M. Harbourn and I just got done
watching you play live at Al Asad, Iraq. I was the one who said
that your brother recruited me. Anyways I didn’t have that much
time to talk to you so I thought that I would take this moment to
say a couple of things.
First off, I wanted to say that your brother, Master Sergant Wright,
is an outstanding Marine. I have enjoyed knowing him as a friend to
begin with and now as a Marine. When I first about you it was from
him. He told me that he was your brother and I just kinda laughed
and didn’t really believe him, because I am not normaly fortunate
enough to know someone like that. He than showed me a signed CD
from you and I still said that anyone could have gotten that, so
again I shrugged it off just thinking that it was a recruiting tool
he used. Than he informed be about your song "Bumper of My SUV". I
listened to it and instaintly it made me tear up. He told me to
watch the music video and than that would prove he was infact your
brother, because he was in the Music Video. About 3-4 months down
the road I finally watched it, and well, lets just say I ate my
words, thoughts. Now I feel bad because he is truly your brother.
Than, when I heard that you were coming out to Iraq while I was here
it made me excited, because I would finaly get to meet the other
side of, then, Gunnery Sergant Wright. The reason that I listen to
your music instead of a lot of other peoples is because you add soul
into your music. You are a true patriot if, and I would proudly
salute you any day of the week. You reminded me when you sang right
infront of me that there are great people in the world that do
support us with all there heart, and when I seen you tear up on
stage when you sang "Bumper of My SUV" it made me feel like I was
important and that you support each and every one of us.
I know that I am jumping around in this email about certain things,
but that is because there is so much that I want to say. To me your
# 1 in my book. You have all of my support in your career that is
ahead of you. I just wish that there were more people like you in
this world, but like the Bible says were there is light there must
be dark. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason,
and I think that meeting you was a sign for me to stay in the Marine
Corps and to keep on fighting for everyone in the states no matter
what there opinion is or there thoughts. To me I am not a "Hero"
but you are. In your music you say a lot of things that I wish
sometimes that I could say. You explain things that are similar to
the way I feel.
But to make this shorter than what it could be I just wanted to say
thanks for everything, and that everything you do doesn't go
un-noticed. I will always think of you as the true "Hero" because
you and your music is what has gotten me through this first
deployment. Like I said I could go on and on but I am sure whoever
is reading this is getting tired of reading by now. So I will end
this with saying to you, Chely Wright, Semper Fi always.
S/F
Lcpl Harbourn, Jeffery M.
Marine Attack Squadron 211 (VMA-211)
Operations (S-3)
Al Asad, Iraq
****************************************************************************************************************
Miss Wright,
After watching your performance at Al Asad AB early tonight, it
seems that I can express my full appreciation enough. You and your
band were by far the greatest event ever to come to Al Asad hands
down. You have such an awesome band to compliment your beautiful
voice. Thank you for taking time away from those you love to spend
time with us. I will say 'our time' together will never be
forgotten. Being in the Marine Corps, your song "Bumper of my SUV'
hits home even more. When you sang it only accompanied by an
acoustic guitar, that was one of the greatest, most memorable
moments ever. That song already gets me every time I hear it, but to
see your emotions and feel your compassion with each note brought a
few tears to my eyes (yes Miss Wright, Marines do cry occasionally).
Thank you for putting forth your all in every song that you sang for
us. I will say that I am looking forward to hearing your new songs
on your up coming c.d. Thank you for allowing all those in
attendance to forget about everything outside of those ways for a
little while. Please express to your band for me how grateful I am
of them for coming to play for us. Take care Miss Wright and I look
forward to that beer we'll share one day.
Your Biggest Fan,
Paul
P.S. I was the Marine that gave you my name patch as well as a
squadron yellow patch (VMA-211).
****************************************************************************************************************
Hey Chely,
Just wanted to say Hi again. Met you last night again at Al Asad. We
had met a few years ago back in FOB Summerall. I just wanted to
Thank you for Honoring We Veterans, of this war and of conflicts in
the past and especially we of the Big Red One. I served as a Water
Plant operator in Northern Iraq from 2004 to 2005 and and was at a
place where no entertainers were authorized to come due to the
danger of constant attacks. On a convoy from Fob Speicher to Fob
Summerall I heard you were gonna be there and did everything I could
to see you sing but got stuck watching the truck while everybody
else went shopping for stuff they didn’t need. I got relieved just
in time to stand in line to get an Autograph. We finished out our
tour and went back to Germany and to my sadness, a few proud
Americans fewer. You made a promise back then to come back and see
us and a million thanks to you and Stars for Stripes for keeping
that promise. I’ll be here for a few more years and hope to see you
guys again soon. See ya’ll soon!
Chance in Al Asad.
******************************************************************************************************************
Chely,
I just want to thank you again for the great concert at Al Asad,
Iraq. We don't get many performers or stars here at Al Asad
and it meant a lot to the Soldiers and the Marines that you came
here. Your concert was all we were talking about this morning at
our headquarters. You are truly a great singer with a great heart.
Major Beau Cook
630th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Al Asad, Iraq
*****************************************************************************************************************
I
spoke to my son (Sgt. Alex Foster) yesterday from Iraq. He is
stationed at Camp Victory in Bagdhad and was excited about having
met Chelly and having the chance to speak to her. Alex has been in
Iraq since August of 2006 and has not had that many opportunities
for American style recreation. I think meeting Chelly gave him a
big boost.
I am thankful that entertainers like Chelly Wright are willing to go
help our soldiers with their morale. Perhaps some folks think of
it as marketing or a way to sell records, but from the conversation
with my son, it is obvious that Chelly was there out of concern for
our soldiers. I know that there is a long tradition of entertainers
traveling to war zones and now I have an understanding of how this
affects our soldiers.
Thank you for Chelly's contribution to our soldiers.
Dan Foster
Powell, TN
*****************************************************************************************************************
2
March 2007
My name is Annette and I just want to say thank you. I just got
done talking to my fiance who is currently deployed to Iraq. He had
just watched Chely's performance at his camp and was deeply moved.
He has watch a few "celebs" come through the camp and none of them
took the time to speak with the soldiers like she did. My fiance
isn't one to waste time or wait in lines, so I knew he must have
been impressed if he, 2 of his platoon sergeants, and commander
waited in the autograph line.
So thank you for the moving performance, and I will be sure to pick
up a CD tomorrow and send it to him over there. We just might have
to work a song into our wedding reception. You see my fiance is
suppose to be home in June and we are to be married here in
Manhattan, KS on 20 July. I am hoping and praying that this happens
because that will me he is home safe, and I will be able to marry
the man of my dreams.
Thanks!
Annette
*****************************************************************************************************************
Chely-
I wanted to personally thank you for the gracious opportunity to
listen to you perform. I am a big fan of country music and more of
a Chely Wright fan than before. I love your music but after your
performance here I can only say "WOW!" Growing up thru college I
have seen Alabama, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Reba,
and even bartended at Buckhead Saloon in Atlanta GA where I had the
pleasure of seeing
firsthand Tim McGraw and Faith Hill for a Budweiser Bar Crawl for
charity. But none of the performances could hold a candle to the
one you did. You are more personable, more passionate, and utterly
down-to-earth. You put a lot of celebrities to shame that come over
here and do it because they think it's the right thing to do versus
understanding what it really means to all Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen,
and Marines...you not only epitomize it but you wrote the damn book!
You know what it means firsthand with your military family.
If you don't remember me...I was the gentlemen near the end of your
tireless one-on-one autographing expedition (awesome BTW since you
gave the same time and respect to each of us no matter how tired you
were and your back or hand hurting) that gave you an Air Force
sticker and 550 cord desert color bracelet. So why am I writing
you...I was so overwhelmed by the experience of being in the
precense of someone that is beautiful inside and out that I totally
forgot to tell you thanks! I spoke to your band and they rock
too...I got a picture with them. They deserve the same kudos as you
do. You have a wonderful crew!
Bottomline, thanks again and I hope to see you back. And no doubt
that I will see you in the states if you play close by. I want to
take you up on that beer! So keep'em cold. We are stationed in
Abilene TX at Dyess AFB. Enjoy the tour and hope your trip back
home was safe and uneventful.
Cheers!
GEORGE E. NICHOLS, Capt, USAF
Project Officer, Civil Engineering
38th DISCOM/DPW
VOIP 822-5663
***************************************************************************************************************
Just wanted to let you know it really means a lot to us when
you take time away from your life to come out here preform for us.
Your show was great. A lot of preformers get off of the plane to do
a few songs and leave, I think everyone in that crowd the other day
would agree you seemed to genuinely care. I've seen you preform in
Korea and in Baghdad before and you never fail to impress. If you
could please extend our appreciation to the fellas in your band for
the music and the jokes =) also Mrs Judy for bringing it together
for us. Thanks again. If by any chance these emails are check by
someone other than Miss Wright, please be sure to get the message to
her.
V/R
SrA Billy Hale
Balad AB, IQ
****************************************************************************************************************
Chely,
I just wanted to
thank you again for the concert you gave at Camp Victory in
Baghdad. Everyone I've talked to had a great time and really
enjoyed how personal you made the concert with your interaction with
the troops. You're doing great things for the Soldiers, Sailors,
Airmen and Marines and I just wanted you to know how much we
appreciate it. I look forward to hearing "Positive and Hopeful" on
the radio. Take care,
Very respectfully,
LCDR Lorn Reynolds
FUOPS/Navy Liaison Officer
Task Force 134
Camp Victory
Baghdad, Iraq
*****************************************************************************************************************
Good Morning,
I wanted to express to Ms. Chely Wright on how big of an impact she
had on those of here at Camp Victory, Iraq this past Wednesday.
Wednesday was my second time watching her play. I am in the Army
stationed out of Fort Hood, Texas. Wednesday when Chely visited us
at the Al Faw Palace, she seemed very down to earth. She allowed us
to take pictures with her prior to the concert; a little later when
I brought my Sergeant Major to meet her, Chely turned to me and gave
me a hug and said that she hoped we would meet again in yet another
country. Her presence and stories that she shared with the audience
really impacted myself and the others that were in the audience.
We would like to send her a picture so that she will remember us
over here in Iraq. If it is possible, could you send me an
address. We want to make sure she gets it, and that it does not get
shuffled to the waste basket.
I appreciate all your support with the troops.
Very Respectively,
Michele N. Adkins
SGT, USA
Administrative NCO
******************************************************************************************************************
Well I just wanted to say thank you the show you just put was great.
You are still signing autographs in the theater on balad.your songs
and the stories touched me.i hope the pain you have gone though is
over. You are a greart artist we defintly want to hear more great
music from you and your band.thank you again for an outstanding
night.
Spc Tabor David
1034th CSSB
SPO MAINT CLERK
******************************************************************************************************************
Chely,
Just wanted to let you know how much I
appreciated your show last night at Camp
Victory. I walked over from Camp Liberty just to see you sing. I
did however miss the opportunity
for the meet and greet since the line was so long and I had to walk
40 minutes back to my tent. I was wanting a picture, but maybe next
time. Very impressive show that seemed to be
truly from the
heart. That level of sincerity made me very proud to be in military
fighting for people like you. Thanks.
I grew up on a farm in Illinois and have always listened to country
music. After listening to you I'm sure that's all I ever will.
Thanks so much.
Very Respectfully,
Tyler Young
Baghdad, Iraq
PS - Your song about the bumper sticker was
moving. Brought chills.
****************************************************************************************************************
Here are some of the pictures of your arrival at BIAP and departure
on Thursday.
Keep that passion in your work!
V/r
SMSgt John Fuller
SMSgt John Fuller
447ELRS/CCF
Sather AB, Iraq
@Baghdad International Airport
****************************************************************************************************************
I
know that Chely was in Iraq today. My brother who is serving over
there e-mailed us today and told us that he had met her. I realize
this is a long shot but if she took any pictures from the trip we
would love to see them, even if the chance to see our brother is
small.
Thanks for going over there, my brother said it was a real treat!
Kevin
Kevin D. Geary
*****************************************************************************************************************
Chely,
I
would like to thank you for the kind words and the heart filled
passion you displayed while singing for us tonight at Camp Victory,
Iraq . Most say they support the troops but few show the troops
they do, for this I thank you. I have to admit that I don't listen
to a lot of country music, but my wife still manages to make sure
that I get a fair share when I am not gone. My roommate asked if I
wanted to come along and listen and I honestly could not place you
at first with any other song than "Shut-up and Drive", from the AFN
spot you did. This is were my wife (Bec) would have set me straight
and told me all about you and said, "You know she sings ..." and
than I would have been straight. I was at a loss until you sang
"Single White Female" for any of you past songs. I am sorry to
admit that; however, I came to see you sing tonight for the same
reason you came to sing. Tonight was the first time during my
deployment that I have had the ability to actual attend a
performance from anyone over here, and if you could come to see us
... than I could come to see you; Thank you!!! The performance,
jokes, digs at the Navy made the night enjoyable, along with
allowing the Soldier to sing on stage with you even if it was Garth
Brooks (Friends), you should have made him sing one of your songs,
but he did a good job. You also topped the night with "Bumper", now
I don't know if you noticed but you brought everyone to their feet (SSsshhh,
I won't tell ... when you started to get all choked up). Thank you
for sharing such a special song and you time with us, my wife is
going to be envious I'm sure that I had the privilege to see and
hear you tonight.
Best wishes to you and your crew and may you continue to have fun
doing what you do. You’re all fine Americans.
From the Husband of a Fan serving in Baghdad, Iraq
Wesley Arnold
SFC, US
Army
HHC, 16th MP BDE (ABN)
Camp Victory, Iraq
*****************************************************************************************************************
Chely,
I
don’t know if you'll see this or not, but I just wanted to say thank
you for the show you put on in Baghdad tonight. Absolutely
awesome…people like you mean so much to all of us and you definitely
brightened my day.
Cant wait to see you perform again, preferably in a different
location though…and hope to get the chance to take you up on that
offer for a beer.
Take care and thanks again…
v/r
Jeff England
****************************************************************************************************************
Dear Cheryl,
On behalf of the 438 AEG Air Force A-10 Aircraft Specialist Flight,
we'd like to thank you for coming to our deployed location, and help
boost our moral!! We look forward to attending your concert, and
hope you enjoy your stay over here!! Thanks again! My wife is
going to be very jealous that I got to see you and she didn't!
She's a huge fan! Take care, and will see you soon!!
SrA Benjamin Jones, USAF
438 AEG,
Al Asad, Iraq
*****************************************************************************************************************
HI
CHELY,
I WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT SHOW YOU PUT ON FOR US
HERE AT CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT LAST NIGHT, 26 FEB 07. I AM THE ONE
YOU CALLED UP ON STAGE AND TALKED TO MY WIFE GWEN IN JACKSONVILLE,
FL. THIS IS TIM, YOUR FAVORITE DANCER. I HAD A GREAT TIME AND HOPE
TO SEE YOU AGAIN. IF YOU ARE EVER IN THE JACKSONVILLE, FL. AREA GIVE
US A CALL AND WILL GO DO SOMETHING.
WE'LL AGAIN THANKYOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART AND THE REST OF THE
GUYS AND GALS SAY THANK ALSO. I HOPE YOUR BAND HAD FUN LOOKING AT
THE BLACKHAWKS. THEY WERE GREAT ALSO.
SEMPER FI
SSG TIM VREELAND
KUWAIT ADDRESS
D CO 1-111TH AVIATION
APO
AE 09330
PS: I REALLY HOPE YOU GET THIS LETTER AND NOT JUST THE FAN CLUB
REPRESENTATIVE THAT SCREENS THIS. THIS MEANS ALOT TO ME.
*****************************************************************************************************************
Chely,
You came to our base and performed for us. I never got a chance to
tell you, but I thought that you and your band were great. I
especially loved the song Sticker on the Bumper of my SUV ( I always
have). I hope this finds you well and i hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Cpl Danial C. Barnes (USMC)
*****************************************************************************************************************
Chely,
I am a Marine deployed in Al Asad, Iraq. You just performed here
yesterday. I just wanted to let you know what an inspiration you
are to me and a lot of others here in Iraq. You brought an extreme
amount of joy to a place where we do not see a whole lot of that. I
will let you know that after the concert, I over heard Marines and
others saying how listening to you perform made their day, month…
deployment. I even switched my duty at the TACC to come and watch
you perform and went back on duty to the TACC till midnight. So I
was bummed that I didn't get to stay and meet you after the concert,
but I did get to meet and talk to your band. They were amazing and
very interested in what we did.
I have a wife (Amy) and 2 boys (Trevor 6 & Aiden 3) who I called and
told them I got to see you perform. Amy was excited for me and
jealous that she was not here. I will be over here for a year, but
I hope to take my family to one of your concerts sometime when I
get back (and collect that beer). We live in North Carolina right
now, but I would like you to know that we are both originally from
Nebraska. I know what you mean when you talked about growing up in
a small town. I lived in a town of about 800.
Thank you again. I just wanted to express what it meant to have you
perform here.
V/R,
Capt
Eric J Walther
ALD
Plans/OPS/TACC Officer
Al
Asad Air Base, Iraq
"FIGHT
TO WIN...WIN THE FIGHT"
*****************************************************************************************************************
Chely and team,
Just wanted to say thanks for all the work you do with the
military. My son is a loadmaster on C-130's, and he is currently on
tour number 7 in Iraq. He mentioned in an e-mail that you were one
of the VIP's that his plane hauled around. So I went to your website
and did some reading. My wife and I aren't huge country fans, but
we're going to get a couple of your CD's to send to our son Jeff.
Anyway, thanks again for your love for our country and for our
military. My wife and I will pray for you brother's safety along
with our son and the rest of our forces around the world.
Thanks again and God Bless you,
Tim & Gayle Brown
proud parents of SSgt Jeff Brown, USAF in Iraq
****************************************************************************************************************
Denver Foote
Army
SGT
I just want to take the time to thank Chely Wright and her band for
taking the time out of their lives to come over to Iraq (Al Asad Air
Base) and perform for us. It is truely an honor to be able to attend
the show and to see who you truely are. The fact that you have a
story of your life and you portray that in many of your songs is so
great. Your an inspiration to many of us and we are very thankful
for all that you do to support the troops. I will be looking forward
to attending one of your performances on upon my return home. I will
glady accept the "free beer" that was offered. Take care and God
Bless you all.
******************************************************************************************************************
Sgt Kristofer
Murzyn
I just saw Chely Wright on Al Asad, Iraq. I want to thank your
group for providing this wonderful tour and another thank you to Chely for an awsome show. It helped a lot to break up the day and
have something new and fun. Again, thank you very very much.
Sgt Kristofer Murzyn
Mals-29
Al Asad, Iraq
P.S. Any chances to see Toby Keith over here?
******************************************************************************************************************
brandon Vilt
I just wanted to thank you and Chely so much for coming out ti Iraq
it was awesome. It was so nice to be able to forget i was in Iraq
and enjoy some great music. Chely was the best concert iv'e ever
been to. your support is encouragement to do my job every day
god bless
SPC Brandon Vilt
U.S ARMY
*****************************************************************************************************************
LCPL Jeffery
M. Harbourn
Stars For Stripes,
I just wanted to say thank you for everything that you have done. I
am currently deployed in Iraq and just got done with the Chely
Wright concert and it was great. So, Again thank you for everything
and give Chely a big thank you as well. I also wanted to add that
this concert was a alittle special to me because Chely's brother was
the one that acctualy recruited me into the Marine Corps. And it is
good to know that they are so much alike in many ways. Due to her
coming out and knowing that Chely and Stars For Stripes support us
so much, i am going to be looking for more of you guys everywhere.
Thanks Again for everything.
Lcpl Jeffery M. Harbourn
United States Marine Corps
*****************************************************************************************************************
Tom Daack
Thank you for sponsoring the Chely Wright concert at Balad on
Thursday night! She was magnificent and made us all feel proud and
appreciated. You and Chely are amazing Americans! God Bless you
and the team it takes to make such a trip / concert happen. YOU are
what we are making the sacrifices for over here and we will continue
to do it until the mission is complete!
Lt Col Tom Daack
Commander, 332 ELRS
Balad Air Base, Iraq
******************************************************************************************************************
US
Troops.... Show 2/28 Body: I posted a comment on your song "Bumper
Sticker" but I also just wanted to send you a line to tell you what
deep meaning this song has and also to tell you that your dedication
to the troops is amazing! Last night you sang this song to troops in
Iraq... my husband being one of them. He called me that night after
the show and we so amazed by you and that song. He was telling me
the story of the song.... he was in tears as he spoke of it... that
isn't something that happens often. His emotion let me know that I
had to listen to that song before heading to bed for the night. Once
listening to it I too was in tears. Thank you for this great song
and for all that you give to our troops. Paul told me that he was so
impressed by you.. for the time that you took to talk to each one as
they came up for an autograph. He told me that he got a poster
autographed to me and that as he sat down by you he told you of
myself and our five children. It ment alot to him that you took that
time and intrest in him and the others individually. So again...
thank you for all of the time that you give to them and for your
consistantly great music, Your an insperation! God Bless You... The
USA... And Our Troops... May they all have a safe return home!!!
Jenny Cowdrey
******************************************************************************************************************
Of course,
we all think you are "St. Judy of Seale"! :-)
Even though I am not "directly" involved (okay, okay I pay for the
bus) thanks for pulling this all together. Pass on my thanks to Chely and the group as well.
Best,
jim
*****************************************************************************************************************
Dear Ms. Wright,
Thank-you so much for coming over here to Iraq! It meant the world
to me to see your show in Balad (camp anaconda). I really enjoyed
your energy and enthusiasm. The way that you have such a deep and
powerful stage presence really brought back the memories I have of
going to see you and other country music greats in Texas. I really
appreciated it!
Ms. Wright, this may be an odd request, but I really was hoping to
get an autograph while you were here but mission requirements meant
I had to leave your show early. Would it be out of line for me to
ask you to send one to me here? I realize you may not be able to
respond to this request, but thanks a bunch for coming out to
support the troops!!!!!
With respect,
Billy Cullins
******************************************************************************************************************
Chely,
I hope this makes it through all your mail sceeners. I'm sorry to
admit that this is the first time I've looked up your website, but
I just wanted to take a moment to say thanks for your patriotism. I
feel renewed knowing there are folks like you who care for our
Country. I was not able to make your concert, but it turned out to
be a very nice surprise to find out you would be on the KC-130
flight to Kuwait with us.
I found it encouraging you and your group wanted to participate in
the ceremony of transporting the Angel. Your folks did very well.
The emotional effect it had on you, did not go unnoticed. After the
service when you came up to hug me, I wanted to tell you to not
grieve for us when we fall. We do our service voluntarily, just as
you have by coming here to this unstable region.
The true hardship is on the family. Parents, children, and siblings
like yourself. You all are the backbone that keep us strong. I
find it amazing you have the fortitude to be our strength and still
manage to keep everything at home together. I will always remain in
awe of the strength and perseverance of the families at home. Your
brother must be very proud.
On a lighter note; Thanks for helping me put those KC-130 guys in
their place by telling them the CH-53 is the best. Your brother has
educated you well. BTW, the picture came out great. I'd try to
send a copy with this email, but a lot of times an attachment will
cause an email to become non-deliverable. Another time.
Anyway, enough for a first time caller (my first email ever to a
"fan site"). Feels weird. Please let me know if there is ever
anything I can do for you or your family. Your always welcome in
our home. Enjoy Deutschland, and travel safe.
Mark
LtCol M. K. "Stoner" Oberg
3d MAW (Fwd) Battle Captain
Tactical Air Command Center
Al Asad AB, Iraq
******************************************************************************************************************
Thanks to Chely and the Band for the great
performance in Friedberg, Germany on 6 March! It means a lot that
you came and played for the Soldiers and families of Ready First
Combat Team! We get forgotten because we are stationed overseas and
you taking time to come play means the world to us!
Thanks again!
John and Karen Millay
*****************************************************************************************************************
I just wanted to write and say what a great organization you have. I
attended Chely Wright’s concert aboard Al Asad Air Base and it was
phenomenal. It was such a relief from the normal twelve hour
routine. I have never seen so many military members touched and it
was an honor to have a celebrity care so much about the military and
what we are doing over here. Things over here can become very tiring
at times and many military members feel lost without their families
and loved ones. Having Chely perform was like a breath of fresh air,
and just remained me that there are people who care what is going on
and it really put me back on track of remembering why we are here.
Thank You so Much.
Lacey Hines
Marine Corps
E-4 Maintenance Management Specialist
******************************************************************************************************************
Well everybody it is getting closer. Our releifs start rolling in
tonight and we should start turnover sometime next week. It hit into
the 80's today so I am working on my farmers tan. and my skull tan.
It has been quite a bussy week here getting everything done so I can
get the hell out of here. It has felt like the movie Grounhogs day,
but now there is a light at the end of the tunnel. At the end of
last week I got the pleasure of going and seeing country musician
Celly Wright. She put on a great show and stayed around to sign
autographs afterwards. The production was put on by a company called
Stars for Stripes. It is an organization thats sole purpose is to
bring entertainment overseas to the troops. I got the chance to meet
the lady who is the founder of the whole thing and she was wonderfull. She is a friend of our doctors and she greeted us warmly
and was kind enough to give us some shirts from the sho. If you get
a chance check out starsforstripes.com. it is a great organization
and I can't tell you how much it means for us over here to be
treated to shows like that.
It is also my kid brother Terry's birthday today so I called him
just after midnight there so I could wake him and wish him a happy
birthday, I can't wait to get home and see all my siblings and
friends. Time seems to be flying.now. Well I am going to go and grab
a bite to eat. So everyone take care and be safe. All my love and
prayers.
Bye for now
Sean
EO1(SCW) Sean Pelfrey
NMCB 18
With willing hearts and skillful hands
The difficult we do at once
The impossible takes a bit longer
******************************************************************************************************************
Hi Chely,
I
am writing to thank you for the wonderful show you put on in
Friedberg Germany on 6 March 2007. You were great as was the
entire event. I did not get to meet you, but I was the round
bowling ball looking guy, wearing a tan jacket, near the stage with Jammie Hawkins (DMWR). I do want to appologize if you were
inconvenienced in any manner with our tightened security. I am the
Garrison Antiterrorism Officer and it is my responsibility.
I am also a Desert Storm Veteran, who served with the 501st Military
Police Company of the 1st Armored Division. We did not receive any
form of Welcome Home and I am glad that a wrong has been made
right. These guys in Friedberg have been through a lot. They have
been extended in Iraq their last 2 tours and it is not a good place
to be. I sometimes wonder what would have happened in 1991 "if" we
had taken Sadam out. Maybe our world would be different. Maybe
these troops would not be heading to Iraq every other year or more.
I guess that is what compelled me to drop you a line.
Between 20+ years on Active Duty and 3 years now as an Army Civilian
I am still very proud to serve our great Nation. You should feel
very proud of what you are doing as you are providing a great
service to America's Men and Women in Uniform. May God Bless you in
all of your future endeavors.
Respectfully,
Richie A. Reeder, DAC
AT/FP Officer
US Army Garrison Giessen DES
******************************************************************************************************************
Chely,
I'm sorry, I don't know who really receives these e-mails, but I'm
going to write as if I were talking to Chely.
I was at the show that you gave for the troops at Camp Victory, Iraq
on February 28, 2007. You may remember me as the guy in the picture
line from the Cool Springs area of Nashville who is going to have
dinner and a beer with you at the Macaroni Grill when I return. I'm
going to hold you to that. LOL! I just wanted to sincerely thank
you for doing what you do. I could go on and on talking about
things that you already know, like how you don't receive any
proceeds for coming over here with Stars and Stripes.
Personally it wouldn't matter to me if you did. You've worked hard
for what you have got and you deserve it. What I would like to
thank you for comes from a soldier's view.
I must admit that when you came here, I really didn't know you.
Sure I knew a couple of your songs, but I really didn't know, you.
As I left the concert that night, I didn't just feel that I had seen
a good show, I felt like I had made a new friend. I wouldn't really
even call what you did over here a concert. I would call it more of
an interaction. The way that you shared your stories, not only
touched my heart, but I'm sure it reached everyone in attendance as
well. Now enough of the mushy mushy stuff. You are also
hilarious. When you called the guy out from the audience for not
being a country music fan, being in civilian clothes, and having
facial hair I think he had the reddest face I have seen in years.
But you did it in a way that he had as much fun with it as the crowd
did. When you allowed that guy from the Kentucky unit to come on
stage with you and sing, you allowed something that only took a few
minutes of your life, but something that will last him a lifetime.
Thanks so much, again, for coming over here and every other military
post that you go. Know that when I say that I had a blast, shared
some ups and downs with you, and feel like I have truly made a new
friend, that I'm not just speaking for me, but I'm speaking for
every soldier, sailor, airmen, and marine that have had the pleasure
to hear you and meet you. Thank you Chely, you truly are an
American Patriot. I do have one quick question though. When
are you going to release "Something Positive and Hopeful." That
song kicks A$$.
Sincerely,
Josh Grace
*****************************************************************************************************************
Hey Chely,
I was one of the guys taking pictures for the fans after your
concert at Al Asad Air Base. I just wanted to thank you for coming
over here and doing what you do for the troops. I think we
sometimes get forgotten about way out here in the west, so it was
nice to have someone of your caliber here. Your concert was great
and as I said after the autograph session, you exceeded my
expectations. The time you spend with each soldier, marine, sailor
and air man was unbelievable. Most people would sign a quick
autograph and move to the next. The personal attention that you
gave these folks is something that I will tell everyone about.
Do you remember before you sang "Damn Liar" and "Positive and
Hopeful" you told the audience to be your Randy, Paula, and Simon?
Well here it is. Your voice is perfect don't change a thing.
RECORD THOSE SONGS!!!! "Damn Liar" is a place we have all
been. Some of us have been lied to,some of us were the liars.
Whether you were lied to or the liar, you get something out of that
song. Now about "Positive and Hopeful", that was hilarious. Here
is my perspective on it. I am a big fan of Toby Keith and he has a
few songs that I think of as novelty songs. Songs like "Talk About
Me" and "How Do You Like Me Now". "P&H" falls right in to that
category. It is common for male artists to sing songs with attitude
like that, but female recording artist. Why is that? As you know
there are songs on an album that never make it on to the charts, but
there is always one on an album that becomes your favorite and you
tell your friends, "you have got to listen to this song", that is
one of those songs. The only difference is I think that "Positive
and Hopeful" would make the charts. Again, Chely thanks for coming
to Al Asad and brightening our day.
Sincerely,
Brents Pepper
MAJ, EN
Branch Director - Land Management
Al Asad Airbase, Iraq
******************************************************************************************************************
Hi Chely,
I'm Sgt Wright. We met in Al Asad, Iraq. I'm sure you meet tons of
people so I'm not sure if you'll remember me. I live in Wellsville
and drive down Chely Wright Way on my way home. It was such a
pleasure meeting you. My daughter, Rayne, is rather envious. She is
a definite fan of yours. Well, I made it back to the states and am
now home with my family. It's wonderful being back with my husband
and kids.
I heard that you participated in a ceremony during the evac of some
of our Angels. Thank you for your participation in that. It must
have been heart wrenching for you. My duties in Iraq were the
processing and evac of our fallen. It was something I saw on an all
too regular basis. It's also something you never get immune to, so I
can empathise with your heart break on that day.
Know that you and your support are so appreciated. Seeing you
perform and meeting you was a definite high point. I am looking
forward to seeing you in concert again and having that beer you
promised! Hopefully I'll be able to attend the concert in Junction
City, KS on June 29th. Unless by chance you will be performing
closer to Kansas City...
Sincerely,
Sgt Laura Wright
******************************************************************************************************************
We had the pleasure of seeing Chely Wright perform in
Brunssum, NL in summer, 2006. I wish to express sincere thanks to
her for performing for our great friends of the 1st BCT Welcome Home
ceremony in Friedberg, Ger. recently. Col Larry and Robbin Strobel
******************************************************************************************************************
Judy,
Thank you very much!
I am sorry for my very slow reply. I was away in Baghdad for a few
days, and then simply procrastinated in sending you the proper
thanks. I love the pictures and I am indebted to you, for I
have never received the pictures from the other guy who was taking
them and said he would send me some. These are the only pictures I
have of me with Chely. Thank you.
Thank you also for all the hard, diligent, and dedicated work you
perform to bring some entertainment to deployed soldiers. I
appreciate it immensely, as do all the soldiers who enjoyed the
show. You and your efforts are a God-send to us, and it makes the
long days on end just a little bit more tolerable because every now
and then we get a break and can escape the stress for a couple hours
with a nice show, and performers who love soldiers.
It would be much more difficult without the support of people like
you. Thank you very much.
cheers,
Peter
LTC Peter C Barclay
Chief, Log Automation Division
13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)
******************************************************************************************************************
******************************************************************************************************************
******************************************************************************************************************
******************************************************************************************************************
STARS FOR STRIPES IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ITS PUBLICATION, STARS AND STRIPES.
STARS FOR STRIPES IS A NON-PROFIT, 501(c)(3) CORPORATION
©2004 Stars For Stripes All rights reserved.