By Dani Johnson
Garrison Public Affairs Office
Country music star Billy Currington performs for a crowd of approximately 7,000 military members, veterans and Families at a USO-hosted concert at Iron Horse Park Aug. 17, 2017. (Photo by Dani Johnson)
Chants of “USA, USA, USA” drifted across Iron Horse Park Aug. 17 as about 7,000 military members, veterans and their Families gathered to listen to a country music star and end four days of Iron Horse Week.
The crowd roared as Billy Currington, who has 11 No. 1 songs, hit the stage for two hours of nonstop music.
The USO-hosted concert capped off a week of competition and camaraderie in recognition of the 4th Infantry Division Iron Horse Week and the centennial of the division.
“This was an amazing event for service members and their Families,” said Phil Martinez, director, USO-Colorado Springs. “Billy is hot on the radio right now, and is a big supporter of the military.”
Military members and their Families enjoy the USO-hosted concert with country music star Billy Currington at Iron Horse Park Aug. 17, 2017. (Photo by Dani Johnson)
Concert attendees started gathering around noon to ensure they had a place close to the stage. They were entertained by the 4th Infantry Division “Mile High” Band and opening act Rick Lewis.
“I’ve spent a lot of time here with the Greatest Hometown in America,” said
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey who opened the concert. “I’m proud of you, the (chief of staff of the Army) is proud of you.
“Let’s keep this nation free for another 242 years,” he said. “This is your night to have fun, and fun we will have.”
Throughout the park as Currington performed, military members and their Families and friends danced and sang along with the star as he sang hit after hit.
“Thank you for all you do, we love you,” Currington said as he left the stage.
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey tosses his coins into the crowd before country music star Billy Currington performs Aug. 17, 2017, at Iron Horse Park. USO hosted the concert where approximately 7,000 military members, veterans and their Families attended. (Photo by Dani Johnson)
Country music star Billy Currington performs for a crowd of approximately 7,000 military members, veterans and Families at a USO-hosted concert at Iron Horse Park Aug. 17, 2017. (Photo by Dee McNutt)
A video message from Country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 4th Infantry Division, plays during the Iron Horse Week wrap-up concert Aug. 17, 2017, at Iron Horse Park. (Photo by Dani Johnson)
Approximately 7,000 military members, veterans and Families enjoy the music of country star Billy Currington at a USO-hosted concert in Iron Horse Park Aug. 17, 2017. (Photo by Dani Johnson)