An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Rock stars ring in New Year with deployed Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Travis Edwards
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan --  Three singers from the golden-age of rock lit up the night here New Year's Eve.

Bobby Kimball, Toto frontman, Alex Ligertwood, Santana lead vocalist and Bill Champlin, Chicago singer/songwriter, together put on a midnight show of some of their most popular song titles from the 70's, 80's and 90's.

"It's what you guys do that allows us to continue to do what we love," said Ligertwood. "We wanted to be able to give back; give you all a little taste of home while you are out here supporting the fight."

The concert and New Year's celebration was well received as about 700 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines showed up to have a good time.

"It was a great time. I was really impressed with the entire set up and effort our force support squadron put into ensuring our people had a good time," said Staff Sgt. Helen Palmer, a participant in the celebration, who is deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and a native of Alburg, Vt. "The live band was an awesome way to ring in the new year."

This is the sixth event Kimball has participated in for the members of the U.S. armed services.

"We don't do it for money, it's for you guys," said Kimball. "Seeing you all out there rocking along with us and having fun makes it all worth it," said Kimball.