Operation Seasons Greetings

Trick Pony, Country Music Award winners, join up with Blues Traveler's John Popper to hitch a ride and entertain U.S. troops in Germany, Turkey, a forward-operating base in Southwest Asia, and a final stop at Keflivik, Iceland. From left, Ira Dean, Heidi Newfield, John Popper and Keith Burns bring it all together to tell the troops thanks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken Hackman)

Operation Seasons Greetings 2005

Trick Pony's lead singer, Heidi Newfield, visits with a patient at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, on Thanksgiving Day. Touring with the Band of the Air Force Reserve and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band, Ms. Newfield visited the hospital to serve dinner, sign autographs and thank the troops. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken Hackman)

Trick Pony brings season’s greetings to troops

Published Nov. 29, 2005
By Lt. Col. Bob Thompson
Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs (deployed)

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- After playing for the troops in Korea earlier this year, country music band Trick Pony is back in the saddle again, slapping leather with Airmen on the other side of the world.

They started riding with the Air Force Reserve Nov. 21 to Germany, Turkey and a forward-operating base in Southwest Asia. Their final stop is Keflivik, Iceland, Dec. 2.

“We want to meet as many of the troops as possible and to thank them,” said Pony’s front woman Heidi Newfield. “We appreciate their sacrifices.”

Carried from gig to gig by Air Force Reserve Command crews on a C-17 cargo aircraft and a KC-10 refueler aircraft, the Ponies were joined by soloist John Popper of Blues Traveler and four New England Patriots cheerleaders.

"These guys took time out of their schedule and traveled half-way around the world to make us feel special and unique," said Col. Tip Stinnette, 39th Air Base Wing commander at Incirlik AB, Turkey. "They made our holiday. They made a great connection with the troops. It was energizing."

During the trip, the Country Music Award-winning band spent Thanksgiving Day at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. The musicians met with wounded troops, shared turkey dinner with the military patients and signed autographs.

Back on stage, the performers' two- to three-hour show included jam sessions with John Popper, who sang his platinum-selling, Grammy-winning song "Run Around."

Trick Pony's show mixes country and rock. The performers conclude each night's concert with their crowd-pleasing signature song “Pour Me.”

After each show, the band spends hours signing autographs and taking pictures with the long line of troops eager to meet the entertainers.

At the close of each performance, Ms. Newfield sums up the evening with a shout out, “Thank you for everything you do! We love you!”

From the cheering crowds of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen it was obvious that the feelings were mutual. (AFRC News Service)