MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Multi-platinum band, 3 Doors Down, visited Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, to interact with service members, sign autographs, take pictures and put on a free concert at the IronWorks Gym Jan. 14, 2015.
The five members of the band, Brad Arnold, Chris Henderson, Chet Roberts, Justin Biltonen and Greg Upchurch, began their day at the air station visiting aircraft rescue and firefighting Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. There, they posed with Marines taking photos and received a chance to use one of ARFF’s high speed slides.
Darnell Bennett, an aviation operations specialist with H&HS, said having 3 Doors Down visit Iwakuni was inspirational and made him feel appreciated.
“It was really inspirational and honestly shocked me,” said Bennett. “I was really happy when I saw them. I thought ‘Oh my god, we got famous people here!’ and the fact that these guys took time out of their day to come visit us made me feel really good.”
Afterwards the band made their way to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 where they signed autographs and learned about some of the Marines’ daily duties and what their military occupational specialty entails.
Chris Henderson, lead and rhythm guitarist, who also served several years in the Navy, said going around and meeting the service members made him feel like a part of the community.
“Getting to know you guys and seeing what you do is really what these tours are about,” said Henderson. “We’re living with you for a couple of days. We’re seeing you at the exchange and around the base, and it’s nice to meet these men and women and shake their hands and to just be able to thank them.”
Finally, 3 Doors Down put on a free performance for the service members of MCAS Iwakuni along with all of its residents. The band performed some of their hits like “Loser,” “Here by Me,” and “Kryptonite.”
“The whole experience here was just awesome,” said Henderson. “Anytime we play for the troops, they treat us like kings and we really appreciate it and what they’ve all done for us. Anytime you guys ask us we try our best to do the show.”
Henderson said as long as MCAS Iwakuni wants 3 Doors Down there, they’ll keep coming.
“I want to say thanks to everyone here for the sacrifices they make,” said Henderson. “I know it’s tough. So, thank you.”