Edwards Airmen enjoy salute as VHI Divas give back to military

  • Published
  • By Laura Mowry
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Every day, members of the U.S. Armed Forces dedicate their time, talents and even their lives to their country. They give up home-cooked meals and time away from their loved ones to deploy--to give others freedom, opportunities and peace of mind.

On the home front, they are active in their communities.

The USO and VH1 teamed up to give back to those service members who give so much by presenting "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops," Dec. 3 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

"It was awesome that so many famous people came out to show their support," said 2nd Lt. Diane Fernandes, Air Force Research Laboratory Detachment 7. "I would hear from individual people that they support us and what we do, but to have so many people come out to show their support, it makes you feel really good."

Thirty-one Edwards Airmen were in the VH1 Divas Salute the Troops audience for the performance, which was videotaped for later broadcast worldwide. Approximately 27,000 service members and civilians were in attendance representing all branches of the U.S. military.

The annual VH1 event, hosted this year by comedian Kathy Griffin, included performances by Katy Perry, Sugarland, Nicki Minaj, Keri Hilson, as well as Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Paramore performed from a remote location at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

"All the performances were great. You could tell that they really wanted to do this for the troops," said Senior Airman Jonathan Cheadle, 95th Security Forces Squadron.

In addition to the musical performances, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi and Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, from MTV's reality show "Jersey Shore," made surprise appearances at the show, while comedian Jeffrey Ross added a humorous element.

"I saw a lot of troops get really excited when "The Situation" came out. Everyone was excited around me. It was great," Lieutenant Fernandes said.

Although VH1 Divas is an annual event, this is the first year the production has honored the troops. Teaming up with the USO provided an opportunity for service members stateside and abroad to know that their efforts are appreciated, organizers said.

"The USO is extremely active oversees, so it was great to see the concert in the local area," said Master Sgt. Elisa Giese, 412th Test Wing Command Section superintendant.
 
"I have been here at Edwards for two years and the concert was a great morale and welfare boost," Sergeant Giese said.

The show aired on television Dec. 5 at 9 p.m. on VH1. It was televised internationally on the American Forces Network.

The show opened with Jennifer Nettles, Keri Hilson, and Katy Perry singing the ever-popular Andrews Sisters' WWII song, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy."

Katy Perry stole the show with her patriotic outfits and parachute, while singing her hit song, "California Gurls," and a colorful fireworks display that closed out the show to Ms. Perry's new song "Firework."

Each performance was introduced by a guest celebrity paired with a preselected service member. Special appearances included singer/songwriter and actress, Brandy; model Marisa Miller; and retired football legend Michael Strahan. Adding to the program, First Lady Michelle Obama videotaped an inspirational message to thank service members and the USO for their contributions.

"It's awesome to know that so many famous people support us and think about us," said Lieutenant Fernandes.