Chely Wright photo courtesy of artist
March 8, 2007 — Chely Wright performed for more than 1,000 service members at Camp Buehring in Kuwait recently. The concert was the first of a 10-day Stars for Stripes tour throughout Kuwait and Iraq, ending with a welcome-home ceremony in Germany. This is Chely's fourth tour to the Middle East since 2003.
Chely said her motivation for performing for the troops is "selfish" in nature. "It simply makes me feel good, fills up my heart, inspires me, galvanizes my appreciation for life and freedom, and it just makes me feel like I'm doing something valuable," she said.
Chely's relationship with the military started early in life. She recalled her grandfather making her sing for veterans as a 9-year-old. Then she began playing taps for military interments near her hometown in Kansas. That relationship has strengthened through the years with her visits to the Middle East.
As she left the stage, Chely extended a warm, sincere thank you to every member of the military and made a vow. "I promise you," she said, "as long as you are here, I will be here."
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