COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Team BLAZE was treated to a free concert and a chance to see a rock star up close Sept. 25 outside the Columbus Club at the Soccer Field.
David Cook, American Idol season seven winner, rocked a crowd of about 400 Airmen and families on Columbus Air Force Base as the final stop on his Air Force Entertainment concert series.
The evening began at 4 p.m. with a pool party at Independence Pool where guests were able to swim, play on bouncy castles, and enjoy hamburgers until 7 p.m. when Cook took to the stage.
Cook explained the reason he was performing for military crowds all around the world.
“The ability to interact with our servicemen and women makes it an easy thing to say yes to,” said Cook. “We’ve been fortunate enough to go all over the world and play for our country’s finest. I can’t say enough good things about it.”
As the sun set Cook and his band lit up the evening with their original songs, as well as covers of familiar rock classics. Throughout the show Cook took the time to let Team BLAZE know how much they were appreciated for their sacrifices.
“You are the best! So let me just say, thank you very, very much,” said Cook.
Furthermore he explained that he is honored to be able to use his status to share Airmen’s stories with the world at large.
“It puts another voice to what, in my opinion, is a very under supported aspect of our country, our service men and women,” Cook said. “They [service members] do a lot of amazing things, a lot of it unheralded. To give them the attention and support they deserve, I don’t take that very lightly.”
The response from Team BLAZE was equally as enthusiastic. Children danced in front of the stage, beaming from ear to ear. Then as the concert drew to a close, applause from the audience brought the band back to the stage for one last song.