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John Parr gives holiday concert for Reserve Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Meredith Thomas
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  It indeed looked a lot like Christmas Dec. 11 in the 916th Air Refueling Wing's corrosion control hangar here. There were trees draped in garland and dripping with lights and various Air Force-related ornaments. There was an impressive array of cookies, sugary treats and holiday punch. And there was music. Though perhaps not the type that you would expect.

Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, John Parr, best known for his popular 80s hits "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" and "Naughty, Naughty," performed a free concert for a crowd of nearly 600 as part of a USO-sponsored tour of over 10 military bases this winter.

Despite having played at such prestigious venues as the Sydney Opera House in Australia and Madison Square Garden in New York, Parr explained that holding a concert in a hangar was a life-long dream come true.

"I dreamed today," he said. "I dreamed of playing in a hangar and being honored enough to stand in front of you and play a few tunes."

"I came back to America specifically to do a military tour," Parr added. The musician was forced to take a 20-year hiatus from touring in the United States due to a legal battle.

Members of the 916 ARW and their families were treated to a multi-media event featuring Parr's original music as well as music videos from the performer's career and inspirational video clips and slideshows.

Parr even wrote new material honoring the United States Air Force and Airmen at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base specifically for the concert. The songs included references to the Airman's Creed and the service's core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence.

Col. Randall Ogden, 916 ARW commander, was visibly moved by the performance and personally thanked the musician on stage after his 11-song set.

"Not only are you an incredible songwriter, singer, and musician, but perhaps what impresses me the most about you is your heart," Ogden said.

The commander presented Parr with a special coin to show the wing's appreciation.

"You embody our core values," he said, "and we are truly blessed by you today."

Parr, forever a champion of America and its military men and women, continues to write new songs presenting the military lifestyle from various perspectives.

His new double album, titled "Letter to America," was released July 4.