American Idol visits Task Force Warrior Headquarters

Master Sgt. Timothy Garcia, NCOIC of S1, poses with former American Idol contestant Justin Guarini at Task Force Warrior Headquarters Aug. 10.

American Idol visits Task Force Warrior Headquarters

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By
By Staff reports
Leesville Daily Leader
Fri Aug 15, 2008, 08:58 AM CDT

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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -
“Thank you very much for coming, your visit represents the resolve of the American people as we stand strong and defeat all who attempt to bring us harm,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Jeselink, Deputy Commander of Task Force Warrior, to the four former American Idol contestants visiting Brigade Headquarters today to entertain troops, pose for pictures and receive tokens of appreciation for their willingness to sacrifice time and efforts to show support.

Soldiers who may not be fans of the mega-hit television show American Idol, may at some point in time phone home to have a loved one respond, “I can’t talk right now, American Idol is on.”

American Idol, a reality-competition television show airing on Fox, seeks to discover the best singer in the country through a series of nationwide auditions. Debuting in 2002, American Idol has since become one of the most popular shows on American television.

One of the guests to Task Force Warrior today, Justin Guarini, emerged as a standout during American Idol’s debut season, ultimately becoming runner-up to winner Kelly Clarkson in 2002. He stood out as a very gracious and grateful visitor. When Soldiers sought Guarini out for specific poses and numerous photographs, he responded kindly and with a willingness to cater to Soldier requests.

The entire group of celebrities had very nice attitudes and they were not at all pompous. When traditional military Certificates of Appreciation and unit coins were presented, each former-Idol appeared genuinely moved.

Nadia Turner, Top Eight Finalist of Season Four, who recently was chosen to be a guest co-host on “The View” with Barbara Walters and Rosie O’Donnell and has had guest appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, spent time during the afternoon meeting and greeting Soldiers of Task Force Warrior.

Gina Glocksen, the ninth place finalist of the sixth season of American Idol, co-hosts the FOX Reality Show “American Idol Extra.” She was incredibly personable with the Soldiers, and her genuine candor and charming wit that made her a favorite of millions on the show came through to brighten the atmosphere at Brigade Headquarters.

Brandon Rogers, Top 12 on Season Six, performed as a backup vocalist on both Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera’s 2003 “Justified” and “Stripped” Tours. He makes guest appearances on the hit TV show “Bones” and is a travelling correspondent for the TV Guide Network, but took some time out of his schedule alongside other former idols to tour U.S. military installations in Southwest Asia.

Soldiers were smiling and laughing, and some spoke of anticipation to share the day’s experience with die-hard-Idol-fans back home. The visit was appreciated, and troops felt a thousand miles from danger if only for a few minutes.

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