September 2, 2008
The Scarlet Ending
We were fortunate enough to be able to do a one-week tour in both Greenland at the Thule Air Base and Germany at Baumholder, Manheim, Edelweiss, Grafenwoehr, and Spangdahlem with Armed Forces Entertainment this summer, and we had the time of our lives. We cannot thank everyone at those bases for being the kindest and most amazing and inspiring people we’ve ever met. We made so many friends while at our respective locations, and are still happily keeping in touch with many of them.
In Greenland we were lucky enough that the fog lifted after a couple of days to go “Thule Tripping” with Sgt. Spires, climb Mount Dundas with MSgt. McElwee who became a dear friend while there, and even do a polar bear swim with a lot of the people there. We hung out frequently at the TOW club where Mike Easterly and Susan Powell were incredibly kind and generous, and we even had one of their chefs cater to our tricky diets (thanks for all those vegan pizzas and stromboli, Steve!) And even though the 24 hours of complete sunlight and 30 degree show outside made things a little different than how we’re used to things around Central New York, we truly had an amazing time. Everyone there showed us proudly the jobs that they do, and we are so incredibly grateful to all of you. Spending ten days there made us get a lot closer with the staff and members of Thule, and from standing on top of a satellite, to watching a plane land on the air traffic control tower, to riding in a fire truck and getting a mix cd of Danish music (thanks, Stefan!) we will not forget this trip or the people we met.
In Germany we managed to find ourselves placed with THE MOST AMAZING bus driver, Silvio, and sound man, Ben. We all got along so well, and it made the trip that much more enjoyable. We saw so many amazing things on this trip, even just from driving from city to city. Thankfully we had sometime to visit Heidelberg, see a few castles, and do some shopping in Garmisch. And Edelweiss—what a beautiful resort. We were so lucky to have a day off there, where we rented bicycles and rode around the base of the Alps…. Wow. We also met some amazing people there and have kept in touch since. Going around to so many bases in Germany gave us the opportunity to not only see a lot of that beautiful country, but to meet a lot of people from all over the world. We are forever indebted to everyone over there, who was deployed or who was being deployed while we were there. We cannot thank you enough for all that you are doing.
Overall, we had an indescribable experience. We got the opportunity to perform for military personnel and their families, which was the most amazing audience we have and will ever have. We also want to thank Armed Forces Entertainment, Captain Davidson, LT Jarod Trujillo, and George DeGrella for making all of this happen. You are all so wonderful.
-The Scarlet Ending
August 19, 2008
KingCone
I just wanted to express my appreciation for the King Cone show that I
attended while on R&R in Qatar. I would like to say not only is he a
very good performer who put on a good show but also very personable.
The thing that most impressed me about him was the way he interacted
with the Soldiers after the show was over. King did not seem to be in a
rush to get to his room and he stayed and talked to the Troops, that was
great and made the Troops feel appreciated way more than just playing
for them. Please pass my thanks to him and the band.
Thank you,
1SG JOE SEBOURN
345TH CSB
July 11, 2008
The Scarlet Ending
As the General Manager of the TOW Club (Top Of the World) at Thule
Greenland, I have had the pleasure of watching virtually the entire Base
populace fall in love with the exceptionally talented "Scarlet Ending
Band" which AFE was so kind as to send to Greenland. Every member of
the Band was a true ambassador of AFE, as they spent virtually every
minute when they were not on stage, socializing with the men and women
of Thule Air Base. And when on stage, these wonderful individuals
transformed into an absolutely exceptional group of entertainer. It is
without reservation that I am sure that this band will continue to make
great strides in their efforts to entertain the Military communities
they go on to visit.
The consensus of the folks at Thule is that this band will continue
their climb to musical success, and we are extremely proud to have been
their 1st overseas and 1st Military experiences.
Michael W. Easterly, YC-02
General Manager, TOW Club
Thule Air Base, Greenland
March 7, 2008
Seminole County
Well this tour was something extrodinary.
We recieved placs, coins, letters, tear jerking mements and even standing ovations.
Korea and the marine bases in the middle of no where seems to be the ones that was best attended with the best response
God thank you all for this rare and enlightening experience.. we have recieved alot of mails on our site and just cannot wait for another opportunity one day in Middle East or even Germany.
The military are so welcoming and everyone so excited to get the talent when we go
we will do whatever you may ever have, and please keep us in mind..
Our National Anthem version got the most attention through out the tour.
One military guy, just back from Iraq ripped his fglag off his uniform and gave to Bo (lead singer) after the performance
we plan to get pics together and dedicate a section to AFE on our Myspace and website within next week or so.. to inlcude the placs and the letters we got
Thank you so very much for a life experience
Jill Sturdivant-Thacker
JBC Entertainment, LLC
February 1, 2008
Adassa
Hi, this is Adassa. I was just on your European tour in September and
I had the most amazing time. It was an honor giving service to all the
troops and seeing them react to the taste of home that we could bring
them. I've been on several tours with the Armed Forces, and it has been
such a rewarding experience, I would love to do more tours with you this
year.
I will open up my schedule just to be able to do my part and serve
those who serve us so much.
December 12, 2007
Five Star Iris
Just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how great Five Star Iris was for
us here at Al Dhafra. First thing that they did was put on an AWESOME show.
They played great music and interacted nicely with the troops. The next
thing they did was meet and greet with all our folks after the show was
done. They signed autographs, but most importantly they interacted with
everyone that approached them. Then they did the greatest thing. They
agreed to play another show at 0100 in the morning for all the shift workers
that don't get off until midnight. That was really huge on their part!!!
Bottom line, any time you can get this band to play for the troops, DO
IT!!!! Also, try to find more bands like them. We not only feel like they
played a great show for us, but they became our friends.
Lt Col Rick Gindhart
380 AEW Chief of Safety
November 7, 2007
Moon In Leo
The AFE-sponsored band "Moon in Leo" appeared at my remote site last
night and gave an excellent performance. All of our residents on site
attended the performance and were very well pleased. After the
performance the band also spent a lot of time socializing with our
residents and all had a great time.
Thank you for sponsoring the "Moon in Leo" world tour on behalf of our
service men and women, and US contractor personnel also living at remote
locations and working on behalf of our nation's security interests.
Bruce Messinger
FMSC Site Manager
SEAVIN-PSS, OMC
October 6, 2007
Bret Michaels
I just wanted to say thank you to AFE and Bret Michaels and his entire
band and crew. The concert that was performed at Al Asad, Iraq on
071007 was just amazing. I never thought I would get to hear those
songs live. Thank you very very much.
Sgt Kristofer Murzyn
Al Asad, Iraq
MALS-29
August 23, 2007
Cindy Alexander
Why I do what I do…
Hey Cindy,
Wanted to say Thank you so much. You
performed last night at Guantanamo Bay, my husband was in
the audience. He has been there for 7 months now,
without me :O( He enjoyed your show so so much. He
sounded so happy for the first time in a while. He said
you had such a pretty voice and that he wished I was
there, that we would have danced, even though nobody was.
Bless you
Cheers from your new fans Steve and April
June 5, 2007
Laura Sullivan and Honduras
I would like to thank all the people involved in getting this group out to
see us at Joint Task Force - Bravo - Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. It all
started yesterday, when I visited one of the shops on post. I was looking
for T-shirts for my children when a lively helpful woman helped me with
colors and sizes. I didn't realize until the concert that night that that
person was Mrs. Sullivan herself. What a wonderful person, with a beautiful
personality. During the concert, she posed for several photos and wished
all the troops well. It was evident that the crowd was wowed by the many
standing ovations for Mrs. Sullivan and her band. After the last three
weeks, where we've seen multiple traumas each week at the Medical company,
Mrs. Sullivan's and her band's performance was the ticket we needed to
brighten our spirits and start anew. Once again, I am personally thanking
all that were involved to get this stellar performance together!
Respectfully,
William Ingram, Captain, USAF
Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras
May 17, 2007
I'm here, they are there.
Here, in the comfort of my own home. Free to write, feel, or do anything. Free of any burdens in life that would change the world I know. Free to speak, think, and act on any emotion I feel. Free....exactly. I am Free because of people like them. People who fight for our country when they are called to do so. Free because they have the courage to stand up for what they believe in. Courage that takes them across the world. Courage that whispers in their ear every day... they will be home soon. Strength to leave their families and loved ones. The Will to get up every morning not knowing what fate will bring them. The Power to know they are Powerless in what surrounds them. Most importantly, they have Pride.
Pride to fight for our Country. Pride to fight for FREEDOM.
-L. Sullivan
March 20, 2007
REPORT ON ARMED FORCES ENTERTAINMENT TOUR
THE MEN FROM GLORY ROAD TOUR EUROPE
FEBRUARY 12-22, 2007
…A Parting observation from all of us fortunate enough to make this trip and given the
opportunity to do a little something for our country --- “We say to the Men and Women of the
Armed Forces and their families and the folks at Armed Forces Entertainment, particularly
Captain Jesse Davidson, George DeGrella and the MWR folks at the various bases we
visited thank you for the service to our Country – one and all you make us proud!! And to
Disney, Jerry Bruckheimer, Wheaties, Charlie Bloom of CBS, UTEP, Nike, Jorge Garza and
wife, Rich Clarkson and associates, Dan Wetzel, Coaches Don Haskins and Moe Iba and
the rest of the men and women of Glory Road that weren’t able to join us, and all of the rest
of you who supported our journey along the way --- Thank you from the bottom of our hearts
for making this not only possible but a memory of a lifetime.” - read full report
February 6, 2007
Responsibility.
That’s what you feel when a young soldier tells you that the reason he joined the military is because a song you wrote inspired him to do so.
And when that same soldier says “Can I get a picture?” and you notice the LCD display on his digital camera is shattered and he tells you that it was in his chest pocket, and it stopped the bullet that tore all the way through his flack jacket, it really hits home.
And when that same soldier sincerely thanks you for being there and singing for a couple hours, and you thank him back for being there full time, putting his life on the line, and tell him to be careful in Baghdad, it really puts things in perspective.
Performing for Armed Forces Entertainment is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. And once you do one tour, and meet those outstanding young people, you want to do it again.
That’s why I’ve been on seven AFE tours. And why I’ll keep doing them as long as I can.
- Thom Shepherd
February 6, 2007
To be honest Hightower had no clue what they would be facing in their recent Armed Forces Entertainment Tour of Europe. Prior to leaving the states on their first overseas tour, expectations ran both high and low in each man of the crew. Though the tour was fast and furious we all agree it was the high point of this bands six year career thus far.
For those of you who don’t know what Armed Forces Entertainment is, AFE is the official Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to our military personnel serving abroad. Their job is to recruit musicians, bands, magicians and even cheerleaders to visit and perform for troops around the world. Over 1,200 shows a year take place to boost morale and bring a piece of home to those who can’t be home.
Thankfully, we felt each show was a success. Capt Jesse Davidson (USMC), the Europe, Balkans, Medditeranen Circuit Manager, did a great job setting up great shows, especially in the holiday season. Each gig provided its own challenges and unique atmospheres which we tried to accommodate in each case. From the Alpine pub in Garmisch, to the sports bar in Hohenfels and the New Years ball at the NATO base in Belgium, Hightower would have to approach each show from a different angle.
Our first stop on the tour was the Edelweiss Resort in a small town in the Bavarian Alps called Garmisch. This town was home to the Edelweiss Lodge, a popular German resort mainly for U.S. military personnel on vacation. This beautiful Alpine village was also the site of the 1936 Olympics. There we met up with Mr. George DeGrella, the Europe & Balkans Regional Entertainment Coordinator, and Mr. Brad Hays, our point of contact at the Edelweiss Lodge & Resort. After showing us the pub where we would be playing and setting up, we had a quick meal and got ready for the show.
Despite a few technical difficulties the Edelweiss show was a great way to start the tour. The audience had just finished their meal and we were to provide their after dinner entertainment. One of the measures of a good performance with a sit down crowd is to see how many people you can get off their seat by the end of the night. Thankfully, by the end of this show there were a lot of empty chairs and a crowded dance floor. Everyone seemed to enjoy the originals, especially our newest song, “What’s Happening To Me.” To cap the night off we relaxed at a local watering hole, Pub 33. After a day off to get over the jetlag we were headed to the next destination: Hohenfels.
Hohenfels is a large training facility for troops preparing to go to war. It’s the second largest training facility available to U.S. forces in Europe. Our point of contact, Ms Joanne Love, got us set up and then brought us to the sports bar where we would be performing. Playing in bars is how Hightower got its start so obviously we felt very comfortable. Considering most of the base was empty for the holidays (there were only two other people in the mess hall when we ate dinner) we had a good crowd of about thirty or so people.
Once in a while you run into a show where you’re completely unable to read whether or not the crowd approves. What we hear on stage is not the same thing that you hear out there, so we can be a little uncertain if the crowd approves without them up and dancing. Having a good soundman is a key part of the concert. Fortunately, we were completely comfortable with our soundman, Andy Ehrich. During the break we all got great reviews from the audience, one of whom told me, “It sounds great, we just want to sit down and enjoy it.” That was good enough for me.
The next day we took a nine hour trip to Belgium and pulled into a NATO base just outside of the town of Mons. At this point we hadn’t heard any details about what the New Years show would be like. Our tour bus driver, Mike Hein, warned us that it may be a little low key since most people tend to go off base for New Years parties. We all took Mike’s word for it since he’s been touring for AFE for a long time. Not only that but Mike has driven a lot of legends and big acts such as Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Metallica. You could say he’s well-seasoned in the rock and roll tour industry (and also one of the coolest guys I’ve ever met).
Our point of contact, Paul Taylor, met us at the gate and right away took us to the venue and filled us in on the next nights show. The base we were staying at is called SHAPE, which stands for Supreme Headquarters of Allied Presence in Europe. This NATO base had a lot of powerful people and some of them were among the three hundred and fifty who had bought tickets to the New Years Ball. Along with ourselves, there was another local performer named Marc Farmel who would open the show for us.
The next day we took our time setting up and rehearsing during the day and showed up early for the show. The other entertainer did his set while we were enjoying one of the finest meals anyone of us has had in a long time. We watched as he loosened up the crowd singing old American standards karaoke-style with a French accent and two young women doing choreographed dances. The Europeans loved it which made us a little apprehensive that they might not enjoy us turning things around to a rock and roll show.
The crowd was already warmed up before we took the stage and we realized they were obviously in the dancing mood. We had about an hour before the midnight ceremony so we packed all of our best songs into that set and kept the party going. We blistered through each song mixing originals with covers. At one point during the Stones’ “Satisfaction” there wasn’t enough room on the dance floor for everyone who wanted to get on. Some of the old classics we pulled out as crowd pleasers are the same songs we’d throw at the kids back home at Maxfields in Potsdam. It was interesting to see how crowds get the same kick out of “Sweet Home Alabama” on both sides of the pond. We played our last song and then waited for the New Year to come knowing that this not only meant the end of the year, but the end of our tour.
Armed Forces Entertainment did a great job setting up our tour. Everything progressed smoothly thanks to all of our point of contacts, our tour manager, Zach, Captain Jesse Davidson, and especially our tour bus driver, Mike. There wasn’t a dull moment and we were more than happy to do our part for the larger cause. We get to go back home after having our fun, they’re the ones who will be there for who knows how long away from family their family and friends. We appreciate everything they do.
Looking back only a few weeks later the entire trip seems to be fading from memory. Perhaps it’s from the lack of sleep as we were reluctant to waste even a minute of our time there. Six years ago we started this band for our love of music, and it survived because of our friendship. We wrote songs, hung out, played shows and never thought much about where it would take us. Then we found ourselves exploring streets in Brussels, Alpine villages in Germany, and playing for sold out crowds halfway around the world. We’ve been lucky and successful. At this point we could call our career a success, but why stop here? Let’s see where else it takes us. - Hightower
January 23, 2007
To every devoted member of the Raggs Show, I just wanted to take this
time to tell you how much you mean to my almost-four-year-old daughter.
She has seen your performance twice in Okinawa. The last performance
being at the beginning of Decemember 2006. The first performance, she
recieved a stuffed Raggs dog and CD/DVD. Then on the second performance
she recieved a DVD and a CD. She has cherished those items.
Every time we get into the car, she requests the Raggs CD. She knows
almost every song by heart and can even start singing the next song
before it actually begins to play. She loves to play with the doll.
I know when we have been to both shows, there has not been a huge
audience, but your show has always been performed as if you were
perfoming for millions. I just wanted to take the time to let you know
what an awesome thing your group does for the military children. Keep
up the good work and we hope to see in you Okinawa in 2007!
Mother of your number 1 Raggs Fan,
Kendra Wetherington
January 12, 2007
Being apart of the AFE tour is easily one of the proudest moments of my career. It's one thing to talk about supporting the troops and to hang yellow ribbons on your house. It's another thing to get the opportunity to travel over into their turf, look them in the eyes, hear their stories, feel their appreciation, and be able to tell them thanks personally. It changed me profoundly, and it was an experience I will never forget.
God bless the USA and her fighting men and women! - Matt Poss
January 12, 2007
We had a great time on our most recent AFE tour to Europe! Each tour just gets better and better. I finally got some pictures of the trip up on the web. I will continue to add more when I can. I actually want to wait and get a copy of Jeff’s pictures (his are better).
We had the privilege of welcoming home THOUSANDS of very brave Americans who had just made it back to Germany after a long tour of duty in Iraq. We shared a stage with Puddle of Mudd and Los Lobos for 2 HUGE concerts and tried to make sure that everyone forgot where they had just come from for just a second. I think we ALL had a great time. Check out the “tour photos” page on the website.
I was fortunate this time around to have my album “Life in Mosaic” for sale in the PX/BX on the bases. It was a new thing for both AFE and AAFES, and it went well. Be sure to pick it up at a PX/BX near you!
We traveled by tour bus our whole trip and had a great driver, Armin, who kept us safe (and sane) for the long drives through the European countryside. We spent a lot of drives watching movies, sleeping, playing music and recovering from hangovers (that German beer is STRONG) J. We really appreciated the hospitality from all our hosts as well as the great people we met along the way. We had a great time getting to know you all. On a personal note, I had a chance to meet up with one of my best friends that is stationed in K-Town, so that was one of the high points of my trip.
-Jenny Boyle
December 27, 2006:
My name is MSG Byrd and I would like to personally send my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to WWE. I have been on active duty for almost 22 years and am currently stationed at Camp Liberty in Iraq. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting some WWE Superstars on your visit here for the Tribute to the Troops special. I had the pleasure of allowing my soldiers to go and witness the show live, and I must tell you that you were the talk of the town when they came back. Unfortunately, I could not attend because I let all of my younger soldiers attend the live taping of the show and someone had to work that day. However, I did get to meet the Superstars at the autograph session later that night. That night when I shook Vince McMahon's hand, I relayed my thanks to him for coming over to visit the soldiers.
Words cannot describe the morale boost that your presence and interaction with the soldiers provided. I have been deployed several times and I have never seen the affects that your show had on my Soldiers. Mr. McMahon graciously told me that the pleasure was all his and you could sense just how genuine his comments were to me. Not just that, but all of the Superstars present that night left a long lasting impression on me that I will remember for a very long time. Their willingness to come into "harm's way" as we say in the Army is truly why all of us do our jobs each day. It is people and organizations like you that make it easy for us to willingly do our jobs of protecting and preserving our way of life for our families, friends, and the citizens of the greatest country on earth - the United States of America.
Additionally, the WWE Superstars were just so open and friendly with all of the Soldiers present that night. I did not see one request for a picture or autograph turned down. Their actions mirrored those of what all true professional soldiers exhibit every day - selfless service. You did not have to do it, but you did it out of a sense of genuine desire and not obligation. Actions like these truly make serving our country worthwhile.
I wish everyone at WWE the greatest success, prosperity, and good health for many years to come. I know that seeing the joy you brought to the troops was probably the best thanks you could have received. However, it is still good to hear it every now and then. That being said, this "Old Soldier" would like to just say thank you for all you did for my soldiers on your visit to Iraq. You truly will not know and understand the magnitude your visit had on their lives that day. It allowed them to realize that despite being miles away from home and their loved ones, someone cared enough about them to make a difference and surely it did. Again, I wish all of you at WWE the best of health, success, and prosperity not just for 2007, but for many years to come. -
MSG Whitney Byrd, Jr.,
Camp Liberty, Iraq
May 15, 2006:
Aloha Friends,Wow we are finally finishing up our Southeast Asia Tour and I am actaully writing this Blog on the beach in Hawaii as the sunsets behind me (Isn't my job great!). This has been the craziest trip we have ever been on. We have been gone for 30 days, Logged over 25,000 miles, on 14 flights, 20 some bases, a TON of buses and met some of the coolest troops around. We couldn't thank everyone that has been involved with this tour enough. Our road crew (Scott and Sam, along with our MANY Bus and Van Drivers) have done an awesome job. We have been in every type of venue setting imaginable and these guys have been a HUGE help, so a big thank you to them. The troops as always have been awesome. We can't wait to get back on the road with the AFE anytime the duty calls. I have to admit we do miss home quite alot, so it will be nice to get back but look out America we are coming back out to say hello to the rest of the country as soon as we get a shower and do a few pieces of laundry... Rock & Roll!! Mike - Plunge
July 14, 2005:
Its Jay and I am out in IRAQ: with all the boys. We played at some very real FOB's forward operating bases, the troops have been very supportive of us coming out here and seeing them. We are constantly meeting with new troops all the time, just from walking around the base. 2 days ago we took our first flight on a Blackhawk Helicopter. not 1 not 2 but 3 Black Hawks swooped to pick us up. We loaded on the equipment and headed for our next base. We thoroughly enjoyed our flight. One minute we were flying over complete desert and the next there were little villages with kids running out to wave at us. I know for a fact they could see me waving at them, because some of them didnt wave until I did. We were only 100 feet in the air. Cruising along at about 150mph, you just have to wait to see the pictures and video. The same day of the Black Hawk flight we got to take a ride in a Brad ley fighting vehicle. It looks like a tank to anyone else, but you cant call it a tank or they will kick your ass ! Its a BFV ! We were cruising along at about 50 mph bouncing through the desert, and the turrit operator spun us around, It freaked me out, I thought the whole tank was turning. Now I was standing, kind of popped up like a ground hog sticking out of his hole, and the temp. outside in the sun was about 135 degrees Ferinheit. it was a hot, bumpy, dusty, AWSOME ride and I will never forget it. - Edison
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