One of my Army buddies had just got back from his first Afghanistan deployment in late '02. He and another friend went to see Charlie in Flint Michigan and had arrived way too early (decked out in cowboy hats and boots) thinking that they would have a few beers before the concert. Unfortunately it was a college arena, and they weren't allowed to serve alcohol. As they waited awkwardly, a guy in a suit comes up and asked them about the venue, and tickets, and prices. Typical staff questions and then he left. He came back out and asked them a few more questions about where their seats were. Being the poor asses that they were (enlisted soldiers), they told him up in the mezzanine. He then asked them a few more questions and found out that my buddy had just got back from Afghanistan and then disappeared again.

He then came back and told them that Charlie wanted to invite them backstage. So they waited until the people who paid the money for the VIP access to leave and then started to talk to Charlie. He talked like they were good friends and he genuinely cared about them. He then said "I heard yall were sitting way up top". As my buddy answered "yes", Charlie said " not anymore" and handed them new tickets....front row, center stage! He autographed their hats, gave them an autographed picture with a note on the back saying that if they bring that to any show, he'd give them more tickets to get in as his personal guest.

They went to their seats and when Charlie opened up the show, he talked about how great it was to be an American. He then said that there was an "Afghanistan vet in the house tonight". They then put a spotlight on my buddy and had him stand up to be recognized and dedicated the first song to my buddy.

My buddy Jim is in Afghanistan again as a contractor and I am sure his big tough ass (airborne infantry vet) is shedding a tear tonight for Mr. Daniels.