Concert for troops brings joy, country music to Luke Air
Jun 20, 2014, 9:58 AM | Updated: 9:59 am
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Country music fans got a special visit from four talented artists during the “Salute the Troops” concert at Luke Air Force Base.
Arizona native Laura Walsh opened the concert playing a variety of her songs, some written by her, and a mix of other singers’ melodies.
“I’m honored,” she said. “I have friends and family members who are in the military and to be able to perform and celebrate with them, it’s such an honor.”
Hundreds of families, many with small children, danced and sang along.
One dad, like many others in the audience, lives on base. He’s getting ready to deploy come October. “This [concert] means a lot. I love my family and try to cherish every moment I got with them,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Freeman.
Season four finalists of the hit show “The Voice,” the Swon Brothers, took the stage next, delivering one of their biggest hits, “Lover, Lover.”
“We’ve played all kinds of shows since ‘The Voice’ and we had the time of our lives,” said Colton Swon, “but this is what matters. Anytime we get a chance to do something like this for these men and women, that’s an honor.”
Country music fan Terrin Ley said the concert went beyond just an entertaining night. Her husband was able to join her and their 18-month-old daughter for a few minutes during his break from his shift at the base. As Ley chased their child through the crowd, she said, “This means a lot to us. We got to see him for a few more minutes.”
Country star Jarrod Neimann closed the show performing some of his hit singles, including “What Do You Want.”
He dedicated his set to the men and women overseas and shared a message of peace he hopes the world can one day reach.
“Today they’re definitely the star of the show,” Niemann said. “We’re very lucky, very grateful.”
