Stars for Stripes

FEEDBACK FROM THE CRAIG MORGAN / CHRIS YOUNG / GAC TOUR TO IRAQ / GERMANY

I wanted to take time out to thank you for bringing Craig Morgan, Chris Young, and Nan Kelley to the Embassy in Baghdad. The concert for Iraqis was everything we had hoped it would be. The visiting stars shared their music while deepening friendships between citizens of the United States and Iraq. I was impressed with the performers’ ability to reach audience members with their music and comments.
The concert had a real impact on the students, journalists, professionals, diplomats, singers, and artists who attended. Many called or wrote afterwards to express appreciation. One said that “being at the concert was like a dream. It was peaceful and the music was stimulating. I forgot I was in Baghdad.” The concert was a wonderful gift to Iraqis, many of whom will not forget it. It is no exaggeration to say that you reached these people with a glimpse of a brighter future that we all hope for.
We also appreciate your willingness to put on a concert for Embassy staff and military personnel posted at the Embassy. It was inspiring for us all to hear the words and learn about the experience of Joseph Bowser, Scott Lilley, and Scott Lilley’s father.
We are the beneficiaries of your generosity. I hope we have another opportunity like this.
Best regards,
Steve Goldrup
U.S. Embassy Baghdad
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I wanted to thank you for bringing Chris Young, Craig Morgan, Nan Kelly, and our wounded heroes to us at Joint Special Operations Task Force on Balad. I'm looking to get SFC Bowser to come out to Colorado Springs to tell his story to my battalion of Soldiers. I think there's huge value to our younger Soldiers, and even the older ones that worry about how life might be if something unfortunate were to happen to them.
It was great to see your familiar face, thank you for staying with the program and providing us the recreational relief and entertainment.
I know we've got great support from our nation and that is heartwarming in itself, but it certainly means that much more to me to see Americans that could easily sit right at home in the safe confines of our American borders- maybe in our entertainers case even make a lot more money from some more concert appearances, but you and they choose to come see us. And that is hugely noticed by me and others.
I made a particular point to emphasize that to our Soldiers that took you through the range, and my staff today in our nightly update brief.
Thank you, and God Bless. America's Sons and Daughters serving in some uncomfortable places volunteer to deploy and defend our Nation, but they all wish they were home, and for a few minutes of one day, you bring some of home to them.
very respectfully,
John D. Kuenzli
Lieutenant Colonel, US Army

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Thanks again to you and your team.
JBB had a super visit and we really enjoyed meeting you, Chris, Craig,
Nan, Steve, Joe and your entire crew. This was easily one of the best
days we've had during our time in Iraq. Still a lot of buzz about the
concert.
Thank you for everything -- for creating Stars for Stripes, for bringing
such super entertainers and patriots, and for recognizing our wounded
heros.
Hope the rest of your trip was successful and your trip home was
uneventful.
Look forward to seeing you again...real soon.

Vr,
Dmar
DAVID F. DEMARTINO, Colonel, USAF, PE Red Tail 5
Commander, 332d Expeditionary Mission Support Group

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CRAIG AND CHRIS PATRIOTIC BUDDIES

Craig and Chris: Craig Morgan and Chris Young have been visiting our servicemen and women overseas, performing in hospitals and military bases in Iraq and Germany, and a recent letter from a serviceman to his hometown radio station expressed the depth of his appreciation for the trip. Stationed on a small combat outpost in Iraq, he wrote that celebrity visits often bypass his location.
“This time it was different though,” he wrote. “They signed autographs, took pictures and performed for us, it was great. I made sure to thank them for taking the time to come see us and support us. I just wanted to share this story with folks back home because they were truly gracious and I don’t think most people know how far some stars are willing to go to show their support.” Hosted by GAC’s Nan Kelley, the Stars for Stripes tour is being documented to also share with fans back home, with a one-hour GAC special set to air in December.

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Thanks so much for your kind words. Everyone here was really thrilled with you and the team and we look forward to hosting you again at the embassy or perhaps at one of the PRTs (Erbil, Basra, etc) with a similar cultural concert to go along with the troop events.
Your willingness to do this really does make a difference – we will reap the benefits from your efforts to connect Iraqis to our culture and showing you care enough to come out here and perform with more positive sentiment toward the US.
Please do let me know if you are thinking of coming out again – I would love to catch the show!
Regards,
Henry
U.S. Embassy - Baghdad, Iraq

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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

FEEDBACK FROM THE CRAIG MORGAN / CHRIS YOUNG / GAC TOUR TO IRAQ / GERMANY

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

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