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Alternative rock band, Hollowell, plays for service members at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation building at Al Asad, Iraq, June 29. The Orange County, Calif., rock band played at several different bases in Iraq and Kuwait as a way to show support to the men and women stationed away from home.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brian J. Holloran

Orange County band rocks Al Asad

10 Jul 2006 | Lance Cpl. Brian J. Holloran 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

Hollowell, a band from Orange County, Calif., entertained a crowd of service members at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation building here June 29.

According to Jared Daniels, bassist for Hollowell, the band decided to come out to Iraq to show their support for the men and women fighting for our country.

"The is the best way we can think of to say thank you to all of the troops," said Daniels, a native of Orange County, Calif. "We need to show our support for everything the men and women over here are doing. This is the least we can do."

"The band was awesome," said Pfc. Dennis S. Miller, a motor transportation mechanic, Combat Logistics Battalion 7, 1st Marine Logistic Group. "They played a bunch of original stuff, all of which was good. I also like the fact that they are willing to leave their comfortable homes and risk their lives just to come out here and to give us one night of entertainment."

Al Asad was the last stop for the rockers on their journey across Iraq and Kuwait.

"We have been to Baghdad, Haditha and Kuwait before coming here," said Michael Slateford, drummer for Hollowell. "This our last stop before we head home. I have to admit that I am more than a little sad to leave. I really enjoy being out here with the troops."

The band has viewed this trip as a way to not only entertain the troops but to also connect with their fans.

"This is the best way to show our fans that we really care about them," said Slateford, a native of Orange County, Calif.

"These guys are great," said Miller, a native of Canton, Ohio. "Not only are they a great band, but they are willing to risk their lives to play for us. That is amazing."