American Idol Winner starts tour at McConnell

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Bernal Del Agua
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  David Cook, American Idol season seven winner, kicked off his military bases music tour, May 12, here.

This is the third year Cook has played at different military bases to say 'thank you' to service members.

"It's really great to be here and it is a huge honor," said Cook. "Any opportunity we can get to come to these bases and say thank you is an opportunity we cherish."

Cook toured the base to get a better understanding of how the Air Force operates and what Team McConnell members do day in and day out.

"We only know maybe 20 percent of the sacrifice service men and women make for us," said Cook. "Having the opportunity to play music and give people a break it's a big honor."

The respect went both ways, as Team McConnell members showed in force to the concert and cheered for the American Idol winner.

"The 22nd Force Support Squadron team was excited to host an event of this caliber at McConnell," said Tierra Kimble, 22nd FSS marketing director. "Our Airmen work hard and deserve to take a load off to spend some quality time with their families and friends. David Cook put on an awesome show and was very engaging with the crowd. I hope in the future, the Air Force Services Activity brings more events like this one to McConnell for our troops."

After playing at McConnell, Cook headed to Altus Air Force Base and Enid, Oklahoma.

"We try to make each show unique to that night and space to make everyone feel appreciated," said Cook. "I have a cousin in the military, and I know the sacrifices he has made with his family and his friends just to keep our country safe. It's a big deal to be here and play in front of these amazing men and women, and we hope they enjoyed it as much as we enjoy playing for them."