Eric Benet helps spread holiday cheer at Osan

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Terri Barriere
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  
**This article is the final installment in a series on "coping with the holiday blues" at Osan.

More than 550 members of Team Osan cheered as Grammy-nominated singer Eric Benet performed at the Challenger Club here Dec. 12.

The native Wisconsin crooner said he was eager to use this opportunity to show his appreciation for the men and women who risk their own lives for others. Though this was his first trip to military bases in the Republic of Korea, he said he quickly jumped at the chance.

"I was really looking forward [to this]," he said. "Everyone has been so kind and friendly and I just really want to show my genuine appreciation for the troops all over the world putting their lives on the line for my freedom and happiness.

"If I'm ever invited to go where the troops are, I'm going."

But while playing in Korea may have been a first for the R&B singer, the show offered one Team Osan member a gift to remember.

"I really enjoyed the concert, and I know being at Osan gave me an opportunity to see him perform that I probably would have never gotten otherwise, and it was free," said Tech. Sgt. Cassandra Bell, noncommissioned officer in charge of the AFSO 21 office.

Sergeant Bell said the concert was an indicator that other people appreciate what it takes to serve.

"I really want to thank Armed Forces Entertainment and the force support squadron for hosting this free event for us," she said. "Being away from our families during the holidays can be hard, but knowing that others care really helps raise my morale."

The AFE-sponsored show was just one of many ways the 51st Force Support Squadron is spreading cheer at Osan this holiday season.

Ellen Smith, McPherson Community Center director, said this and other events are provided by the FSS because it's important to focus Airman's attention on positive and fun things to do at this time of year.

"We, the FSS as a whole, are dedicated to boosting the morale of the warriors," she said. "We recognize the holidays can difficult for those separated from family and friends, but we want them to remember they have a family in FSS."

Ms. Smith said the FSS is committed to providing entertainment and holiday cheer.
"Our entire mission, every aspect of force support, is taking care of Airmen, and we want to help during this tough time," she said.

The community center director said she feels their efforts during the holidays are appreciated by the Airmen because they are able to get a small piece of home.

"Living overseas can sometimes remove you from traditions prevalent back home," she said. "Our ability to offer those programs, events and activities [to Airmen] enables us to bring just a little bit of home to them."

Though already underway, Ms. Smith said there are many more events scheduled to help make the remainder of the holiday season as enjoyable as possible.

51 FSS holiday events schedule:

Tops in Blue: Dec. 16, 17 at 7 p.m. at the base theater. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)
Basewide holiday party: Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. at the Challenger Club (Free and open to everyone).

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. at the base theater.

"Something to Do" Christmas Eve party: Dec 24 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Mustang Club. (Free and open to everyone)