Tour for Troops 2009 rocks Ramstein with music, laughter

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amanda Dick
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Red, blue and amber lights streamed toward the performers as they belted out songs and told jokes, causing an exuberant crowd to chant, sing and laugh along.

This was the setting for Team Ramstein members who packed into Hangar 1 here Dec. 9 to watch singer/songwriter Jessie James, comedian Carlos Mencia and headliner Kid Rock, along with the Twisted Brown Trucker Band, as they continued their Tour for the Troops 2009.

After an opening performance from the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, the concert rolled on as up-and-coming country/pop artist Jessie James entertained with her eclectic style of music, jamming to her hit songs such as "Wanted," and "My Cowboy."

Although this is Ms. James' first overseas military tour, she is no stranger to the military and was excited for the chance to do her part.

"My dad's been in the Air Force my whole life, so this is all I've ever known, and it just feels really good to be able to give back," the Italian-born singer said. "Growing up in a military household has definitely made me appreciative of our military. I've been taught to respect all of our military and peers in general. I just think the military is such a classy organization, and it teaches people respect and discipline. This [tour] is just me saying 'thank you.'"

The daughter of an Air Force fighter pilot, Ms. James said being a military dependent gained her the social skills needed to travel on the road to success.

"I think being a military brat, there are so many benefits involved with it because you get to travel all over the world and live in different countries -- I got to live in 14 different places," she said. "Because of that, I've gotten to meet so many different people. So, I think it's helped me in many, many ways, and I'm proud of it."

After the electric performance by Ms. James, comedian Carlos Mencia, known for his stand-up comedy skits and show "Mind of Mencia," took to the stage. Although this is Mr. Mencia's third time visiting troops overseas, it's his first visit to Ramstein.

"I have three cousins who have served on bases in Germany -- one Air Force and two Army," the Honduran-born comedian said. "It's interesting to come to a place they've been talking about for a long time and where they've been stationed. I get to go home and tell all my comedian friends, and friends in general, I got to perform for the troops in Germany ... it's pretty cool."

Mr. Mencia was part of a USO tour in 2007 and toured with Operation MySpace in 2008. He said he continues to visit troops because, "it's a good way to give back."

The comedian said his biggest goal on this tour was to bring laughter to the men and women of the military and their families.

"I just want to bring a piece of America here," he said. "Tell some jokes, make people laugh and have a good time, talk about stuff that happened back home and make people forget about all the stuff that's going on, especially in wartime -- it's important to do that. Hopefully, it will make them feel better and give them a slice of home."

Mr. Mencia not only performed during the concert, but also put on a separate adult show later on in the evening.

Rounding out the concert, Grammy nominated Robert Rich, aka Kid Rock, and the Twisted Brown Trucker Band headlined the concert, performing such hits as "All Summer Long" and "Cowboy."

This is Kid Rock's second trip to Ramstein and he has also been a part of several overseas tours to visit with military.

"I think this is the least we can do, especially for people like me who enjoy every freedom available to me in the good old USA," the triple platinum artist said in a recent Air Force article. "I feel very strongly about freedom and the people who protect it, serve for it and do it so unselfishly. It's literally the least I could do."

Tour for the Troops 2009 kicked off in Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, followed by a tour in Southwest Asia before stopping at Ramstein. Kid Rock, Jessie James and Carlos Mencia will be heading off to perform at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, after their Ramstein visit.