Red Rocker visits Travis

  • Published
  • By Capt. Vanessa Hillman
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
Travis Air Force Base, Calif. --  The former lead singer of Van Halen met with Airmen and signed autographs for two and a half hours here Saturday. 

Legendary rocker Sammy Hagar enjoyed meeting with the troops to show his support for everything the military does for the country. 

"I came to Travis [Saturday] to show my respect for our men and women in the military," Mr. Hagar said. "I know how important each person in the military is to our country, and it was to show them a little love from a fan of theirs." 

In recent interviews, Mr. Hagar has commented on his unique role in today's politics explaining if he can't solve a problem, why bring it up and cause more conflict. 

"I like to think that what I do brings a little happiness into the lives of those that go to my concerts, and it helps them concentrate on the fun side of life for the time they are with me," commented Mr. Hagar. "In today's world, we need as many smiles and good times as possible." 

Due to the overwhelming response from the base, with more than 250 Airmen and family members standing in line outside the Class 6 for hours, and even overnight in some cases, the autograph session was extended per Mr. Hagar's request from one hour to two and a half hours. Mr. Hagar commented it was his longest autograph session in his more than 33-year career and provided an explanation as to why it was so important to him to stay that long. 

"When you see that many military members lined up and how long some of them waited, I could never leave people hanging like that. I'm just not that way," he said. 

The loyal fans in line did not mind the wait to meet the Red Rocker. 

"This is the closest one can ever get [to Sammy Hagar]," said Master Sgt. Michelle Gutierrez, 60th Aeromedical Staging Facility, noncommissioned officer in charge of operations, who stood in line with her two daughters. "We've seen him in concert, but in the nose-bleed section. This humanizes him." 

After the marathon autograph session, the bases' leadership met with Mr. Hagar where they commended him on his dedication to the base. 

"Sammy Hagar has entertained millions of fans in large stadiums across the globe," said Col. Timothy Grosz, 615th Contingency Response Wing commander. "It was nice seeing him spend some one-on-one time with our Airmen. I'm sure many of them will remember meeting Sammy, as I'm sure Sammy will remember his experience meeting our dedicated heroes!" 

"It was absolutely fantastic to have Sammy Hagar come out to the base and meet with our Airmen and families," said Col. Steve Arquiette, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander. "I'm impressed with the time he spent with each and every one of them. For someone of his stature to take that much time out of their busy schedule to say 'thank you' to the troops just shows what a patriot he truly is."