WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Military Salute: Ft. Stewart concert organizers
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FT. STEWART, GA (WTOC) - July 4th means more than cookouts and fireworks for our men and women in uniform. They help defend the independence gained more than 200 years ago.
Last Friday night, two mega-performers teamed with our community to give Fort Stewart's troops and families an evening of fun.
Country music star Trace Adkins said the stage at Fort Stewart Friday was a cake walk compared to the places in Iraq where he's performed for American soldiers.
"We have deserts over here, but not like that desert over there. It is the most oppressing, unforgiving, dirty place I've been in my life," he explained.
He and R&B singer Ashanti performed for thousands of troops and their families Friday, July 3 and both have played for troops in combat zones. Commanders at Fort Stewart say both entertainers came here for a fraction of what they would have charged to play elsewhere.
"Ashanti walked Warriors Walk today," said Mag. Gen. Cucolo. "Trace Adkins drove around post and talked with soldiers and saw Warriors Walk. They know the costs the soldiers and famlies are making."
"You'll never play for a more appreciative audience than the milItary," Trace Adkins told WTOC. "And the strange thing is we are the ones that are appreciative and thankful. We always look forward to those opportunities to let them know that we support them and thank them for doing the heavy lifting."
From the entertainers to the local vendors who supported the show, Maj. Gen. Cucolo says Fort Stewart is the best.
"I have not seen a more supportive community anywhere I've served and I just went past 30 years in the Army," he stated.
Next year, many of these soldiers will spend the 4th back in Iraq. WTOC salutes everyone who helped make this holiday a good one.
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