Tim McGraw Attracts Thousands

Editor's note: The following item is from a Marine Corps Release:

More than 27,000 attendees gathered at Camp Pendleton’s Paige Fieldhouse to attend Tim McGraw’s Tour for the Troops free concert Sunday.

"I am proud to perform for the troops and to celebrate our heroes, bringing attention to the need to improve quality of life among men and women who serve our country," said Tim McGraw, honorary chairman of the Tug McGraw Foundation.

The event was sponsored by Air Force Reserve, TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Marine Corps Community Services and benefited the Tug McGraw Foundation.

The goal of the foundation is to educate members of the military and civilians about the increasing number of service members affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Tug McGraw, the singer's father and legendary baseball pitcher, died from a brain tumor in 2003, which inspired the creation of their charity.

“My father was in the Marine Corps Reserves throughout his professional baseball career,” McGraw said. “Our family has always supported the troops, so our foundation is another way to say thank you and help service members who are suffering become aware of the programs available to help them.”

Tour for the Troops has brought top entertainers to all branches of the military, both domestically and overseas, where families can enjoy local bands, concessions, merchandise and children’s play areas.

“We are so excited to put on such a large event for our Marines and sailors and their families,” said Christine Chilleme, special events manager for MCCS and coordinator of the event. “The most rewarding part is seeing how happy everyone is and knowing they’re having a great time.”

Various cover bands performed to entertain the crowd prior to McGraw’s performance, which opened up with his hit song, “Barbeque Stain,” and carried on an hour and a half show that he dedicated to the service members and wounded warriors.

Medal of Honor recipient Jay Vargaus spoke about the harsh effects of PTSD at the event.

“It’s great to see a show like this put on for the Marines, especially when it raises awareness for the wounded warriors,” he said. “Hopefully this show boosts the morale of (the base) and we can knock down that doggone suicide rate.”