MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- Station service members and their families, along with Department of Defense employees, were serenaded by the Spirit of America Tour Oct. 5 at the parade field here.
Country fans received a rare treat by listening to the soothing tunes of a famous country singer – Billy Ray Cyrus, who is best known for his hit single “Achy Breaky Heart.”
Before the performance, Cyrus expressed how eager he was to perform for the station crowd.
“I look forward to hitting the stage and having a good time,” said Cyrus. “I just want to make sure that everyone is smiling, singing and dancing-enjoying themselves.”
The show started at 7:30 p.m. and fans were able to set a relaxed environment by bringing lawn chairs and blankets while Cyrus and his group, the Sly Dogs, sang.
For some, the performance was more then what they anticipated.
“The performance was nowhere near what I expected,” said Pfc. William Hamilton, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 avionics technician. “He reached out to us. We were more part of the concert than any other singer I’ve seen before. He had great stage presence.”
A dedicated Cyrus fan also agreed about the performance that evening.
“The show was fantastic; it was one of the best shows I’ve seen him put on,” said Patsy Gilcrest, who has been following Cyrus’s performance since he started touring in Oregon.
“I had a marvelous time today,” said Florence Lievman. “He gave his all tonight and the audience enjoyed it. He could have been up there all night and the crowd still wouldn’t have been content.”
“I absolutely loved the concert,” said the twenty-two-year-old Stacy Kelsey, Hamilton’s girlfriend. “I even lost my voice today because I was screaming so loud. I missed my college class to come see him today. I’ve been listening to him since I was sixteen years old.”
During the beginning of the show, however, the performance came to a stand still after incurring some technical difficulties with the lighting.
“It was awesome that when the lights shut off, he immediately got down on one knee and said a quick prayer for the lights to turn back on,” said Kelsey. “It was also great that during the concert, Billy dedicated songs to the Marines deployed and to those who have fallen.”
Cyrus was as impressed with Yuma fans as they were with him.
“I was blown away with the turnout,” said Cyrus. “I was also shocked in how energetic the crowd was. The crowd came here ready to party and the only thing I can say is ‘thank you.’ The service members have given everything and beyond, and what little I can do is still insignificant to what they have done.”
After leaving Yuma, the Spirit of America tour took Cyrus to Valley Center, Calif., and Las Vegas.