Ali Dee shows bring country, western to 501st CSW

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  Country and western singer Ali Dee finished up her two-week Armed Forces Entertainment tour with free concerts at the RAF Croughton Crown and RAF Alconbury Community Activities Center Feb. 11 and 12.

"I was so excited to be able to come and entertain the servicemembers, this is something I have always dreamed about doing," said Dee. "Since I was a little girl, I have seen stars go overseas and entertain the troops and I always thought it would be a great experience. Supporting the military is a big passion of mine, I have family that has been part of the military and I feel every artist has something they want to shed light on and for me it is supporting our servicemen and women, whether they are home or overseas, and this is really the only thing I think I can do to help bring something from home to them."

"For an entertainer of her level (music, television and sports fame) to take the time to visit a smaller base community means a lot," said Maj. Joseph Thomas IV, 423rd Force Support Squadron commander. "Many times, it's the larger main bases or deployed missions that receive entertainment. This visit helps solidify the 'team' concept that no matter where we are or what missions we are performing, each one of us is key in enabling our military and nation to meet mission requirements."

The tour gave Dee an opportunity to showcase her music to an audience that may not have heard her on American Forces Network or BBC radio stations yet.

"This gives Ali Dee a chance to introduce her music to those who wouldn't normally have such an amazing opportunity and it gives the community a chance to experience professional caliber entertainment at no cost to the audience," said Thomas. "We continue developing a strong relationship with Armed Forces Entertainment and look for a variety of entertainment to give the communities the opportunity to experience something new and exciting."

Dee's two-week long tour allowed her to show her support for servicemembers in the Netherlands, Germany and Russia before ending in the United Kingdom. With visiting multiple locations, Dee had to tailor each concert to the audience that showed up. Her most memorable audience was at RAF Croughton.

"We were dancing up a storm all night at RAF Croughton," said Dee. "I mean the children were dancing up on stage with me or on their dance floor - it was really fun."

As she met and talked to the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines at her concerts, Dee has seen her support for the military grow.

"Going home I feel like supporting the military is going to be even more of a passion of mine," said Dee. "Since I have been here and seen what you are all are doing, this has further emphasized how much I want to spread the word about supporting our military. I really appreciate everyone coming out to support me and country music and thank you for everything you do."

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