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American Idol winner welcomed at Warhorse (Diyala)
Saturday, 24 January 2009
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

www.mnc-i.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20090124-2
January 24, 2009

American Idol winner welcomed at Warhorse
Multi-National Division – North PAO

Diyala, Iraq- “Testing, testing, one, two, three,” a man says in a microphone while performing a preconcert sound check. “How you guys doing tonight?” he yells out to the crowd of listeners.

Without another word, the crowd of 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Soldiers and civilians begin to flood the stage area at Forward Operating Base Warhorse’s food court.

The crowd begins to hush as David Cook, rock singer-songwriter, grabs hold of the microphone, smiles at the crowd and signals his band to begin playing. “This song is called ‘I did it for you’,” Cook says, as the crowd applauds in cheer and whistles.

The Blue Springs, Mo. native got his start on season seven of the reality television show, American Idol. As a result of his brothers coaxing, Cook auditioned in Omaha, Neb., never expecting to get past the audition phase or even becoming the overall winner.

Even with his new found fortune and fame, Cook is still very much a humble man and is tour of Iraq is no exception. “To be able to do something of this kind of magnitude, it’s definitely a big deal to us,” Cook said, referring to his band mates. “I was privileged enough to be asked to come here. I have family in the military, so to be asked to do something like this is a badge of honor for me and for my family to know that we are doing something.”

On his first tour of Iraq, Cook says he has learned a lot from each and every person he had been able to talk with.

“This trip has been life-changing and an eye-opening experience to say the very least,” Cook stated. “It’s been really intriguing for me to just be able to talk with the Soldiers and hear their stories. Coming out here has allowed me to really take on a different perspective. I think I would go home and change myself as person because of it.”

Cook addressed the crowd one last time before ending his encore performance, “Heroes. Thank you for having us, it’s been a real pleasure,” Cook said. A roar of applause began as Cook and his band concluded the concert.

After the concert, Cook and his band remained behind to take pictures and sign autographs for the fans.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – NORTH PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AT: MNDNPAO@25ID.ARMY.