Pentagon Kicks Off Appreciation Month with Concert

By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service

May 4, 2007 – There aren't enough "thank yous" in the world to express the gratitude felt for the members of the armed forces, said up-and-coming vocalist Jenny Boyle, the entertainer for the Pentagon's kick off to Military Appreciation Month today. During the third annual America Supports You Military Appreciation Concert, Boyle entertained the audience with her rock and country stylings of crowd favorites, as the Pentagon Channel broadcast the hour-long concert live to 350 military installations worldwide.

America Supports You is a Defense Department program designed to connect grassroots support groups and corporate partners with the men and women of the U.S. armed forces and their families.

"(Jenny) is a real hero in my mind because she has gone everywhere we have people in uniform around the world, whether she had to wear a flak vest or not, to provide a taste of home to those folks that are away from their families and friends fighting for our freedom and our way of life," Navy Vice Admiral Nancy Brown, Joint Staff director of command, control, communications and computer systems, said during her opening remarks. "She has sacrificed on her own to do that."

Boyle has entertained troops at U.S. military installations during five tours with Armed Forces Entertainment and the United Service Organizations. She has performed in locations such as Germany, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Djibouti and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to name a few.

"(The men and women of the armed forces) have done so much for our country and they sacrifice so much on a daily basis," Boyle said. "It's the least that we can do to go overseas to entertain and support them. It's an honor."

For soldiers like Army Maj. Chew Leung, who works in the Army's personnel office, the concert briefly enjoyed during his lunch break had special meaning.

"I grew up during a time when the military was mostly disregarded," he said, referring to Vietnam-era days. "It's nice to have a performer come out and express her support for what we are doing. I really appreciate this."

Boyle said troops who are far away from friends and families especially appreciate her performances. "(Bringing) just a little bit of home to them means so much," she told American Forces Press Service. "And to be a part of that and being a part of America Supports You is such an honor."

"Have a great Military Appreciation Month," she said at the close of the concert. "You deserve every second of it!"

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