Celebrities spend time with RAFL Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chris Stagner
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The holidays are a time when people notoriously put their best foot forward. It's a time when everyone's a little nicer, people give a little more and the good will of millions really shines through.

That type of holiday goodwill shined through Dec. 11 at RAF Lakenheath, England, when entertainers Kid Rock, Carlos Mencia and Jessie James spent three days with Liberty Wing Airmen as part of the Air Force Reserve Command-sponsored 'Tour for the Troops 2009'.

The three celebrities performed for the troops at a concert while they were here, but their visit went beyond a mere performance. During their short stay, the entertainers integrated themselves into the community and made Airmen understand the appreciation they have for the sacrifices made by servicemembers on a daily basis.

"Guys and girls always thank me for coming," said Kid Rock, who is on his fifth trip overseas to perform for servicemembers. "It's the complete opposite of that. I'm here to thank them for what they do."

The performers thanked RAF Lakenheath Airmen seemingly nonstop during their stay as they visited different agencies and facilities around the base.

The first night of their arrival, the performers went to the enlisted club and stayed until closing while they spent time with Airmen. That was just a foreshadowing for what their second day at the base would entail.

It started with Carlos Mencia and Jessie James staying at the RAF Lakenheath Base Exchange for hours saying hello and signing autographs for Airmen.

Kid Rock went to the 48th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosives Ordnance Disposal Flight where he spent time with the EOD Airmen and visited a recently dedicated memorial to Tech. Sgt. Phillip Myers, an EOD specialist killed earlier this year in Afghanistan.

From there, Kid Rock met Mr. Mencia and Ms. James at the base's running trail where they helped Col. Jay Silveria, 48th Fighter Wing commander, dedicate new fitness stations recently built at the base by Boy Scout Joshua Kent.

After the dedication, Kid Rock went to RAF Feltwell where members of the 48th Security Forces Squadron introduced him to Defender University - a program where Airmen are prepared for contingency operations.

Each of the entertainers took part in the tour for different reasons.

For Air Force brat Jessie James, it was her way of giving back to an institution that's helped sculpt who she is.

For Carlos Mencia, it was his way of appreciating the people who make his country great, and he said now that he's started he can never quit.

"The thank yous keep me coming back," he said. "People say that [in daily use] because it's appropriate ... But the troops, when those people say thank you ... I could never walk away from that."

His dedication to ensuring the troops have great memories shined through when he performed a second show for Airmen at the enlisted club that ran into the early-morning hours.

Kid Rock took part in this and past tours because he believes it's where he belongs based on his patriotic upbringing.

"Years ago when the USS Cole was bombed ... I did a show at Norfolk and gave the money to the widows," he said when explaining how he became involved in performing for the troops. He fell in love with giving what he could to those who give all for their country. "I'll continue to do [these shows] for as long as they want me to."

As much as each of the celebrities appreciated being able to perform for Airmen at Lakenheath, the Airmen appreciated them just as much.

"It's awesome that they come to support us," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Schaan, 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight Lab technician.

Other Airmen at the concert agreed with him.

"I think it's really nice for them to take time away from their families so close to Christmas to let us know they care and support us," said Airman 1st Class Tyler LaPlante, 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Inspection Section apprentice.