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REO Speedwagon entertains military audience

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
SPOKANE, Wash. --  Honoring the sacrifices made by both military and emergency services members alike, REO Speedwagon entertained an audience primarily made up of America's veterans during a Grandstand performance at the Spokane Interstate Fair here Sept. 11.

"We owe so much to you," said Kevin Cronin, the band's lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, as he reflected on 9/11's tragic events and America's response. "We've played on a number of military bases over the years and we're always just so thankful for the sacrifice you and your families have made. Putting on concerts like this one tonight is just one way we can give back."

The life-long musician said it wasn't until a few years ago he experienced a moment of "introspection."

"I was just sitting there thinking, 'How lame am I that I'm just a musician? What positive impact have I made on the world?'" he said rhetorically as he listed off a number of life-impacting jobs including military service members and medical doctors. "And then it hit me, we give all those people something to look forward to on the weekend. If we can give those folks an escape and build up their morale, especially on a day like today, then we've been successful."

Cronin said his two boys celebrated their second birthday 9/11, so for many years their family had to focus on the birthday aspect of the day.

"Sept. 11 has a dual-meaning for our family," he said. "In our home, we owed it to our sons to have a good time on their birthday, but at the same time, we've always taken a moment to reflect on the lives lost during the terrorist attacks and those lost since in the War on Terror."

Total force Airmen from around the globe took time to commemorate the 13th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, with everything from commemorative runs, to tributes and moments of silence.

During their performance, Cronin took a moment to thank all past and present American veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice in the name of freedom.

"Now that my boys are 15, they understand the gravity their special day holds on our nation and around the world," Cronin said. "We'll never forget that day, neither our family nor anyone else."

"Thank you so much," he announced to the crowd. "Remember our heroes today and every day."