R & B star entertains local military

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
NICEVILLE, Fla. --  Military and family members from three local Air Force bases were treated to some "smooth grooves" Nov. 13 when R & B star, John Legend, performed a free concert at the Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center in Niceville Fla.

The concert was part of the "Stateside Tour for The Troops" program hosted by the Air Force Reserve. Attendees from Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt and Duke Field and their families received tickets to "An Evening with John Legend."

Mr. Legend thanked the veterans for their service before performing a solo acoustic set. He played many of his hits accompanied only by his piano. At one point he "enlisted" the audience to help him sing the chorus to "Used to Love U."

"Most people are never able to experience a concert like this with such an intimate setting," said Senior Master Sgt. Russell Foresee, senior recruiter with the 919th Special Operations Wing. "This is a rare opportunity and we're glad we could provide it."

The crowd packed into the front of the 1,650 seat auditorium and into the balcony. The laid-back atmosphere and focus on the show suited the venue where plays are typically performed.

"It was such a great performance," said Staff Sgt. Don Federonis, 46th Maintenance Group at Eglin. "And a wonderful thing he's doing for us."

Mr. Legend isn't the only performer giving back to the military; the "Tour for the Troops" tours have also featured Jay Leno (Oct. 10) and most recently Ludacris, Nov. 6.

Tour for the Troops is tied to the Reserve's Get One Now program, where Reservists who refer a friend to the Air Force Reserve through Get One Now can receive free tickets to concerts and events, with VIP exclusives, like backstage photos or a meet and greet with the starts.

Locally, 60 of 300 new reserve applicants took advantage of the Get One Now program during the last fiscal year, according to Sergeant Foresee.

For information on upcoming events, log on to http://www.Get1Now.us/Events or call 877-883-6223.