Full de force
Volume 11, No. 49, August 10, 2006 By Maj Dave Munro

Good times: Stacey Morris and Nikki Gillis (above) launch into Sweet Home Alabama for the troops. Photo by LAC Pablo Fuenzalida

Fans: WO2 Andrew Howard and Cpl Chris Peters (at right) with Master of Ceremonies Aniela Hedditch. Photo by Cpl Rob Nyffenegger

HOT Arabian nights got a whole lot hotter thanks to a troupe of Australian performers during Tour de Force 5.

Australian and American service personnel in the MEAO were treated to a generous helping of country, rock and comedy by the artistes who performed for free, following a tradition that dates back to the Vietnam War.

Australian country music stars Nikki Gillis and Stacey Morris were more than impressed with the work being done by the troops deployed on Op Catalyst.

“Standing up here and looking at you all, we’re so proud of you all and honoured that we are here to perform for you,” Gillis said. Morris said that seeing “the work the troops are doing here and in some of the conditions they are enduring, makes me extremely proud to be Australian”.

Before they left Australia, the two singers contemplated whether to sing the Dixie Chicks’ song Travelling Soldier. Thinking it might be too emotive, they decided to leave it off their repertoire. However, Travelling Soldier turned out to be their most requested song at their first concert, so the two singers put together a rendition with supporting Navy musicians LS Brett Douglas on flute and AB Michael Cairncross on drums. They added a soft military resonance to the tune and, judging by the reaction from their audiences, their rendition was a huge hit.

The beat got faster as the band Bedrock, fronted by 2005 Australian Idol entrant Lee Harding, made their presence and music felt. “This is the first time I’ve been overseas,” Harding said. “To be here with you guys has just totally blown me away.”

Comedian Clint Patterson and compere Aniela Hedditch balanced out the program with their diverse talents. Patterson’s Aussie humour was not lost on the Americans who were eager to get involved in the act and have a good laugh, while Hedditch captivated the audience with her charm and singing.

The entertainers also took the opportunity to mingle with ADF personnel between the shows, which brought a welcome break for the troops from their daily routine.