SamboraBlog

Marines, sailors saluted for Iraq, Afghanistan tours

By Rick Rogers
STAFF WRITER

April 2, 2005

CAMP PENDLETON – "Rockin' the Corps" was billed as a star-studded, patriotic event to thank 55,000 Marines and sailors whose San Diego units have suffered the highest casualty rates in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But with the outdoor concert being broadcast to U.S. military installations worldwide, it felt more like a celebration of courage and perseverance.

Former NBA all-star Karl Malone kicked off the evening by donating $100,000 to the Marine Corps. Then longtime rocker Ted Nugent played "The Star-Spangled Banner" a la Jimi Hendrix as some Marines stood at attention.

Throughout the night, many in the crowd described the free show as a major morale-booster for the troops.

"Finally, somebody appreciates what we do," said Lance Cpl. Marcus Rodriguez, 20, of the 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion.

That sentiment was echoed by Gunnery Sgt. Les Timmons, a 14-year veteran of the Marine Corps who came with his wife, Tracy.

"We have 18-and 19-year-old kids who have aged 10 years in six months (of deployment). Now they get home and they don't see all the people supporting them. This is like all the appreciation they need in one event," Timmons said.

Around him, the audience shouted cheers as each celebrity appeared on the 300-foot stage. It was a festive atmosphere, with beach balls bouncing everywhere, Frisbees being tossed around and people singing along to their favorite tunes.

Performers included the pop-music groups Destiny's Child and Hootie & the Blowfish, heavy-metal band Godsmack, rapper Ja Rule and vintage rock ensemble Kiss.

Making guest appearances were Sharon Stone, Marisa Tomei, Cindy Crawford, Mary J. Blige, Heather Locklear, Richie Sambora, Michelle Rodriguez, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jennie Garth, Frankie J. and Randy Jackson, a judge on "American Idol."

Producers Quincy Jones, Joseph E. Robert Jr., Doc McGhee and Spencer Proffer organized the concert.

Robert, whose son is a Marine serving in Iraq, and Jones were the driving forces behind what's believed to be the largest event to honor veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Robert and Jones first discussed doing something for the service members about 18 months ago, shortly after they returned from a goodwill trip to Baghdad.

The idea for a concert at Camp Pendleton crystallized during a conversation Robert had with Marine Commandant Gen. Michael Hagee in August.

"Gen. Hagee said that Marines and sailors from Camp Pendleton had suffered the most casualties of any military base in the country," Robert said. "That's when Quincy and I said let's do this."

Since 2001, about 40,000 Camp Pendleton troops have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. At least 248 of them have died and thousands more have been wounded.

Robert said he knew nothing about the military until his son joined the Marines about 2½ years ago. He describes the boot camp graduation he attended at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego as one of the most moving and patriotic ceremonies he's ever seen.

His son, Cpl. Joe Robert III, 24, is based in Okinawa, Japan.

"He's disappointed that he won't be able to see the show. But I hope he'll be able to hear it," said Robert, a businessman from Washington, D.C., who has raised millions of dollars for charities.

"What will make this a success is if 40,000 Marines and sailors walk out of the show high-fiving each other saying this was the greatest show they ever saw," Robert said.

People not invited to the concert will have plenty of chances to experience it later on. The performance was filmed for a pay-per-view cable channel. The show also might be screened at theaters nationwide, and it will be released on DVD.

Proceeds from these ventures, which Robert said could run into the millions of dollars, will go to a fund to support troops and their families.