Country music outlaw Toby Keith visits Camp Fallujah administrative clerk with I Marine Cpl. Lynn Murillo Expeditionary Force’s command I Marine Expeditionary Force element. “I am a huge fan of anyone that CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq supports us,” Lucero said. “The - Country music superstar Toby morale boost he just gave everyone Keith performed a Memorial Day here makes me proud to be out here concert here for nearly 4,000 serving my country.” service members both live from the Lance Cpl. Joseph W. Hanson Fallujah Chapel and via the internal of Greybull, Wyo., also a self- computer-based broadcasting proclaimed “big fan,” was elated system here May 29. with Keith’s performance. The fans cheers erupted into “I think it is awesome that he a roar as the patriotic songwriter would come out to the middle of Iraq and performer stepped onto the to give us a concert,” said Hanson, small stage. Keith opened the a weather observer with I MEF. “If hour-long acoustic show with he is spending his Memorial Day out his crowd pleasing hit “I Love here with us, it means a lot,” This Bar,” bringing the Marines, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, sailors, soldiers and airmen a little commanding general of Multi- piece of America. He played new National Forces-West, presented songs, as well as a few classics like Keith with a Ka-bar fighting knife “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” and and a personalized guitar strap made “Beer For My Horses.” from a desert-digital camouflage This is Keith’s second visit pattern as a token of gratitude for his here. The first was in 2004 just time and effort. Zilmer jokingly told after Marines took over the camp. Keith that he hopes to see the guitar He played two other venues on strap in one of Keith’s upcoming Memorial Day as part of the USO’s music videos. The crowd laughed as Toby Keith Tour. Keith smiled, shaking Zilmer’s hand JO1 Benjamin Franklin “You can’t appreciate what and agreeing to his request. Country music sensation Toby Keith performed for service (service members) do until you Keith and his crew are on a members here May 29. The show was a part of the USO’s five- see it,” said Keith. “Everybody is day “Toby Keith Tour of Iraq.” five-day tour of Iraq, entertaining so good at what they do and when troops at several forward operating you come here, you can really understand why album, “Unleashed.” bases in the next few days, demonstrating America is the number one fighting force in the Hagee said he enjoyed the concert and was their continuing pride and support for service world.” happy to welcome the superstar known as the members here. The country singer expressed a special bad boy of country music to the headquarters satisfaction in lifting troop morale and for Marines operating in Al Anbar Province. honoring his father, a Vietnam veteran. Longtime fans might have considered the The commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. performance a way to take their minds off the Cpl. Lynn Murillo is a combat correspondent Michael W. Hagee, was in the front row for the serious business of war fighting. with I Marine Expeditionary Force serving in concert and sang along as Keith sang “Courtesy “It was an honor to meet him,” said Sgt. Al Anbar Province. For information, e-mail of the Red, White and Blue” from his 2003 Cassie L. Lucero, 28, from Phoenix, an her at [email protected]. Commanding General’s Message to Families Dear family and friends, visit, he spoke to the Marines and answered Hello from Al Anbar Province, Iraq. This their questions in a series of Town Hall is Major General Rick Zilmer, the Com- meetings. Many of the Marines had their manding General of I Marine Expeditionary photos taken with the Commandant and a Force Forward. few of them received a coin from him. The past two weeks have been busy for Memorial Day on Camp Fallujah drew to the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd). In a close with a concert by Toby Keith. More the sweltering heat of 109 degree days the than a thousand Marines kicked back and Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen con- listened to his patriotic tunes. tinue their mission. They are relentless and Memorial Day in Iraq was an occasion motivated, making the difficult tasks seem to remember the proud traditions and honor effortless. They are a group of strong men what makes America a great nation; also to and women to be proud of. remember those men and women who have Memorial Day was a very special day for made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our na- the service members of I MEF (Fwd). The tion safe. As we move into June, we will Commandant was our guest at a Memorial redouble our efforts and resolve in accom- Service in honor of those who have died in plishing our mission of bringing security to all of America’s wars, and more specifically, the western province of Iraq. those who have given their lives since the Please keep us in your thoughts and beginning of our deployment in Febru- prayers. Please check back after June 15th ary. The service was a special tribute with to hear more news about your Marines, performances from the Fallujah Choir, the sailors, soldiers, and airmen doing a fine job Gospel Choir and the Brass Band; all es- Maj. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer out here in Al Anbar Province. Until then, sambles were made up of I MEF (Fwd) ser- Commanding General take care on the home front and Semper vice members. During the Commandant’s Multi-National Forces West per Fidelis. CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - The Camp Fallujah older café, which had 21 internet stations, now has library reopened June 3 in a ribbon cutting 52; it has also doubled its phones from 12 to 24. ceremony attended by the Multi-National Force It is still possible for people to have to wait their West commanding general, Maj. Gen. Richard turn to use the internet or phones, but instead of C. Zilmer. For the past three weeks, several waiting on a wooden bench, service members and Kellogg, Brown and Root employees along with civilian employees here can now watch television I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters on a big-screen TV from the comfort of large Group Marines worked hard to upgrade the leather couches. facility. Any service member, DOD employee, and Formerly a chow hall, the facility does not look contractor with PX privileges can use the facility. like much from the outside. Today, however, it The renovated facility is closed two hours a day, serves as a newly renovated internet café. The from 4-6 a.m. Cpl. Jon Guibord 2 Aug. 19, 2005 The Eagle and The Crescent The Eagle and The Crescent Aug. 19, 2005 3 The Chaplain’s Corner Camp Fallujah MWR events The fight for freedom in Iraq Open jam/ music night Mon. at 2000 When Simon Bolivar led the nation of Risk night Tue. at 2000 Peru to independence from Spain in 1924, Ping Pong tournament Wed. at 2030 they pleaded with him to become their first Spades Tournament Thurs. at 2030 president. He refused. He said that his work Karaoke night Fri. at 2030 was the work of liberation. Others were better Perimeter run Sat. at 0800 suited to the task of governing. *Movie Night: MWR facility daily at 2000. The people still wanted to honor him. So For more information, contact they offered him a gift of one million pesos. [email protected]. And he accepted the gift on one condition. He asked that he might supplement that gift with A Message to our readers monies from his own estate, and then use all of that money together to purchase the freedom The Eagle & Crescent is a publication of the 3,000 individuals in Peru who were still produced for Multi National Forces - West slaves to other men. service members and their families and When all the slaves where freed, they asked friends. We appreciate your interest, him why he did it. This is what he said: “It prayers and patriotic support. makes little sense to free a nation unless all its citizens enjoy freedom as well.” Semper Fidelis, MNF-W PAO As we work for freedom, we must remember that it is only a tool. It can never be an end in BECOME A SUBSCRIBER: itself. We must use freedom to find dignity. We If you would like to receive the Eagle & must use freedom to connect our souls to God’s Crescent directly, please send an e-mail to Chaplain (Lt, USN) Ronald W. Newhouse true freedom. [email protected]. 9th Communications Battalion Chaplain Thanks for being a defender of freedom! Just put “Subscribe” in the subject line and we’ll add you to our e-mail distribution list. I MEF honors its fallen in Memorial Day ceremony I Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer Cpl. Jon Guibord Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. Thomas H. Howard I Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs Director.........Lt. Col. Bryan F. Salas CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - Approximately Deputy Director......................Maj. Riccoh T. Player 400 Marines, sailors and soldiers from several Public Affairs Chief.....Master Sgt. John A. Cordero commands under the I Marine Expeditionary Internal Information Officer.................................... Force came together at the Camp Fallujah .............................................1st Lt. Brian P. Donnelly Press Chief..............Gunnery Sgt. Timothy A. Streaty chapel here to remember their fallen in a Editor/ Memorial Day service May 29.