David Cook performs for Ellsworth Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Denise Nevins
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  David Cook, winner of the seventh season of American Idol, performed a free concert for Ellsworth Airmen and their families outside the Dakota's Club June 3.

Cook, who is performing at 16 U.S. Air Force installations this year as part of the Air Force Services Activity's entertainment program, said playing for U.S. military personnel is important to him.

"I get a chance to say thank you, in person, for their service and sacrifice," Cook said. "So often there's an out-of-sight, out-of-mind aspect for the average citizen to the service and sacrifice of our military. To be able to come out and perform and hopefully help them realize how appreciative I and my band are - it's an honor."

Before winning "American Idol" eight years ago, Cook was working as a bartender and fronting his own band. He moved to Nashville in 2012, where he had immediate success co-writing country music songs.

"This was a great family event on-base," said 2nd Lt. Kendall McNelis, 28th Force Support Squadron readiness OIC. "David Cook really seemed honored to be able to perform for Airmen."

Cook performed some of his top hits, including "Light On," "Heartbeat," and "Broken Windows," while also taking time before the concert to meet with Airmen and their families. Cook, who has a cousin in the U.S. Air Force, has performed for U.S. military personnel in Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the Persian Gulf and across Europe.

"The most rewarding thing for me being able to perform and tour is getting to experience new people, places and things I might not get to experience otherwise," Cook said. "It's an added gift to be able to bring entertainment to our servicemen and women and their families."

Cook's upcoming tour dates include:

Sept. 9, Lackland AFB (San Antonio)
Sept. 11, Holloman AFB (Alamogordo, New Mexico)
Sept. 14, Cannon AFB (Clovis, New Mexico)
Sept. 16, Schriever AFB (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
Sept. 18, Offutt AFB (Omaha, Nebraska)
Sept. 21, Grand Forks AFB (Grand Forks, North Dakota)
Sept. 23, Whiteman AFB (Knob Noster, Missouri)
Sept 25, Columbus AFB (Columbus, Mississippi)