Shelly visits Fort Sill, OK
Story and photos furnished by 2Steppin'
Soon
after Shelly Streeter’s self-titled debut album was released she quickly established
herself as a serious artist by garnering national acclaim and a multitude of awards. The
California Country Music Association honored her with its Female Vocalist of the Year,
Female Entertainer of the Year, and Vocal Band of the Year trophies; and the Country Music
Association of America presented her with both Female Vocalist and Female Entertainer of
the Year.
After a whirlwind waltz across Texas as part of the Wal-Mart Tour, which had her appearing in twenty-four Wal-Marts in as many days, Streeter made a quick trip to Nashville where she brought the house down at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Next stop was Lawton, Oklahoma as the Celebrity Spokesperson for the March of Dimes WalkAmerica Campaign. While in Lawton, Streeter was invited to visit with the soldiers of Fort Sill and she quickly accepted the invitation.
Steeter started off her visit to Fort Sill by attending an early morning Retirement Ceremony and Parade. Next stop was the 1st Battalion, 22nd Field Artillery Regiment, where she toured the barracks and met with the basic training soldiers. In the afternoon, after sitting down to lunch for a taste of Army "chow" and a chance to talk with some of the soldiers, Streeter performed two acoustical concerts for the soldiers of the 2/80th Field Artillery and the Marine Corps Artillery Detachment.
On day two of visit to the Army base, Streeter met with the Advanced Individual Training soldiers of the 22nd FA Regiment on the COC course in the morning and later that afternoon, she was the VIP guest at the 6/27 Field Artillery (MLRS) open house where she was treated to a ride in a "rocket launcher". Streeter concluded her visit that evening by performing a free concert with a local band, TAILOR MAYDE, for 1,000 soldiers and their family members at the Gunner’s Inn on Fort Sill.
When I asked Streeter what had motivated her
to, not only accept the invitation to visit with the soldiers of Fort Sill, but to travel
to Oklahoma (from California) at her own expense to do so, she replied, "First of all, I was already committed to be in Lawton/Fort Sill to
fulfill my duties as the Celebrity Spokesperson for the March of Dimes. When I called to
purchase my ticket, I found out that the fare was determined only by my destination and
not how many days I stayed. I am proud of all the young men and women who serve their
country and I welcomed the opportunity to express my gratitude to the soldiers."
When asked what had impressed her most about her visit to Fort Sill, she responded, "That is a really tough question because everything I have seen, has been impressive. But I would have to say I have been most impressed by the soldiers themselves.
During a tour of one of the barracks, I was introduced to a group of new trainees. As I looked out across the room at all their faces, it was very difficult for me emotionally. They had only been in the Army a few days and they looked terrified. I was overwhelmed with 'mother-emotions' and wanted to hug each and every one of them and reassure them that it was going to be okay. The Drill Instructors bent the rules enough to allow me to shake each soldiers hand and say a few encouraging words to each of them before I left and, being a mother of three sons myself, it was a very emotional encounter that I will always cherish.
I hope they gained some comfort
from my words. I told them that I was proud of them and I knew their parents, family, and
friends back home would be too. It was a very sobering experience for me and has altered
my entire perception of the word, ‘soldier’. I already had an admiration for
them but now I have an even
greater respect for them."
When Streeter was asked what was her most memorable experience while visiting Fort Sill, she said, "When I witnessed a military parade; with the Army band and all of the soldiers marching in step, that was something I will long remember. And being allowed to actually ride in a rocket launcher was a major adrenaline rush and an experience I will never forget either. Then there were the basic training soldiers at the last concert I did - I have never had a more enthusiastic audience. They were incredible and I was extremely moved by their response to my performance and I, most assuredly, will never, ever forget that audience." At this point she just paused and smiled. "I guess it is really impossible for me to pick one event or incident as the most memorable, because I know I will never forget the entire experience. To tell you the truth, the soldiers weren’t the only ones who benefited from our brief encounter. I had a wonderful time here and I would do it again in a heart-beat. It just makes you feel so proud to be an American."
Like the soldiers she met at Fort Sill, it is obvious that Streeter is willing to go "above and beyond" what is required or expected of her. It is easy to see how she can sing so easily from her heart .... it's because Shelly Streeter is ALL heart.
HOOAH!