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***image1***They have played James Brown’s birthday party, hung out with Limp Bizkit and swapped stories with Chicago Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux; However, Oct. 7, they got a chance to hang out with some of the most impressive people they’ve ever met.
Country music giant Sawyer Brown spent the afternoon at LRMC having lunch, touring the hospital and boosting patient and staff morale.
“I know who ya’ll are,” said 1st Sgt. Patrick Amos, Bravo Company. “Shoot, I’ve got my cowboy hat and boots here. And I’m from New York. Hooah!”
Even with his jaw wired shut, Marine Cpl. Micah Davis, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Weapons Company, kept the band entertained as he vividly described his situation and injuries.
The band laughed and joked throughout their visit, but showed genuine concern and interest in every patient they encountered.
“I watch the news every night and it lists the injuries of the day, and it just smacks me in the face to see these young, wounded servicemembers up close,” said Hobie Hubbard, keyboardist. “That’s why we’re here. But our visit isn’t even a drop in the bucket compared to what you all do.”
The trip to the Intensive Care Unit was especially poignant, as Mr. Miller took the hand of severely injured warrior and promised the Soldier that if he contacted the band’s manager, a front row ticket would be waiting for him back in Kentucky for their next tour.
“It changes your perspective, that’s for sure,” said Mr. Miller. “It makes me feel more patriotic and appreciative. This trip has already been a life-changing experience. I’ll definitely carry this feeling with me back to America, especially when I see our men and women in uniform.”
One ICU patient from Tennessee, home to the band, decided to talk high school football – a subject very familiar to Sawyer Brown.
“They have the toughest football teams around,” he said.“Sure do,” said drummer Joe Smith. “If they weren’t playing on Friday night, they’d be fighting.”
Mr. Smith said that hearing the stories of the wounded servicemembers made a big impression.
“When you hear of a bomb hitting a humvee and then you actually see the person who was driving it, well, it’s just incredible,” said Mr. Smith.
Following the afternoon tour at the hospital, the band put on a welcome-home concert for the 1st Armored Division.
The tour and concert came about when a United Services Organiza-tion representative called the band’s agent with the idea. Singer Mark Miller said it took a nanosecond to decide whether or not to participate.
“For us to come here was absolutely miniscule, considering what you all do for our country, keeping us safe and protecting our freedom,” said Mr. Miller. “It’s a privilege to be able to participate in something like this. It means a lot to us.”
