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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Jul 23, 2008 - 2:26:24 PM |
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Country star visits Bastogne artillery Soldiers in Iraq
By 1st Lt. Jonathan Springer, 2-320th FAR, 1st BCT, 101st ABN DIV (AA) PAO
May 4, 2008 - 2:24:16 PM
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Blackanthem Military News
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| Lt. Col. John Dunleavy, commander of 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), re-enlists Soldiers from the "Balls of the Eagle" battalion with country music star Toby Keith, taking part in the ceremony at Logistical Supply Area Anaconda, Iraq, on April 28, 2008. (US Army photo by 1st Lt. Jonathan J. Springer) |
LSA Anaconda, Iraq - Instead of touring the world or recording his next blockbuster album, country singer Toby Keith decided to take a detour from music making and visit with Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) April 28.
During his trip to Logistical Support Area Anaconda, the award-winning music star spent a few hours with Soldiers, and took part in a re-enlistment ceremony that saw five "Redlegs" re-up with the battalion.
"It's an honor to be here with these fine Americans today; I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," said Keith after the ceremony.
For the Soldiers of the 2-320th FAR, it was an honor to have to get the opportunity to meet the country music singer and for him to participate in the re-enlistment ceremony.
"It was pretty awesome to meet Toby Keith; it made my re-enlistment that more special," said Spc. Justin Troutman, a 22-year old communications specialist with the battalion's Headquarters and Headquarters Battery.
Troutman re-enlisted to stay at Fort Campbell for six more years and also received a bonus of 8,000 dollars.
"The money was good, but it wasn't the reason I re-enlisted. Because of the Army I have a future, and I'm able to do a lot of things in the military that I wouldn't be able to do in the civilian sector," said Troutman.
According to Keith, getting to meet people like Troutman is why he frequently visits Soldiers in Iraq.
"I'm proud that I took part in this ceremony today, these Soldiers are great Americans," said Keith.
Key leaders within the battalion also felt that Keith's appearance during the ceremony made it much more special for the re-enlisting Soldiers.
"The fact of the matter is, it's special for someone like him come over here and meet with these Soldiers. It's also special to see these 'Balls of the Eagle' Soldiers re-enlist, too," said Maj. Elton Crawford, 2-320th FAR's executive officer.
Crawford went on to add that what every Soldier does on a daily basis is extraordinary, and that it takes a unique and exceptional individual to reaffirm their commitment to this fight.
Troutman added, "This battalion is making a difference here everyday and I believe in our mission. That's the main reason why I enlisted."
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Country music star Toby Keith, checks out his new "Balls of the Eagle" t-shirt that was presented to him by Lt. Col. John Dunleavy, commander of 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), at Logistical Supply Area Anaconda, Iraq, on April 28, 2008. Keith visited the 2-320th FAR to meet with Soldiers and take part in a re-enlistment at the battalion headquarters. (US Army photo by 1st Lt. Jonathan J. Springer) |
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| Country music star Toby Keith, poses for a photograph with Spc. Justin Troutman, after a re-enlistment ceremony at Logistical Supply Area Anaconda, Iraq, on April 28, 2008. Keith visited the 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), to meet with Soldiers and take part in a re-enlistment ceremony that saw five "Balls of the Eagle" Soldiers re-up with the battalion. (US Army photo by 1st Lt. Jonathan J. Springer) |
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| Country music star Toby Keith, speaks to Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), on April 28, 2008. Keith visited the 2-320th FAR to meet with Soldiers and take part in a re-enlistment at the battalion headquarters. (US Army photo by 1st Lt. Jonathan J. Springer) |
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