MONDAY AND TUESDAY, MAY 5TH AND 6TH, 2025 – THE GARY SINISE FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE AUTUMN KINGS AND CHAPEL HART VARIETY TOUR TO SOUTH KOREA:

Another early morning flight!  At least I grabbed 1 ½ hours sleep before getting up at 2 am to prepare for a 4:00 am departure to the airport.  Today the great Canadian rock group Autumn Kings and the amazing country group Chapel Hart will fly to South Korea for performances compliments of Gary and the Gary Sinise Foundation.  We will be visiting Kunsan Air Base, Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base – in that order.  Osan Air Base is hosting their first Air Show since the COVID lockdown and will open the gates to the public.  They are expecting 50,000 to come through during the two day event.  I am so honored that we can be a part of this significant celebration because of Gary’s support.

I arrived at the airport at 4:15 am with a “meet” time of 4:30 am for the Chapel Hart group.  Some of the group had arrived earlier – one had spent the night in the airport after having flown in from a show that night – and had already gone through Security to the gate.  Everyone else was close to being on time and we didn’t have any issues checking in.  But, once again James (who handles Production for GSF on all the tours) did not have TSA Pre-Check on his boarding pass.   It is a never ending mystery as to why we cannot get that corrected.  I believe we now know the issue and hopefully he will have it on the flight home.  We were able to get everyone into the Lounge for a few minutes prior to our on-time departure.  Most of the group passed out on the hour and a half flight but I worked because I knew I would be giving up WiFi on the long flight to Seoul later in the morning.

We arrived Detroit on time and Autumn Kings were just beginning to check in.  They live in the Detroit/Canada area so the Detroit airport was the perfect location for us to depart together for the long trip to and from Seoul.  Chapel Hart had a couple of hours in the Lounge before our on-time departure.  As background, Autumn Kings participated a couple of years ago in an AFE tour and we visited Guam, Korea, Japan and Okinawa on that tour.  Chapel Hart also participated in an AFE tour last year to Guam, Japan and Okinawa. Both are great groups to work with and I’ve been looking forward to this tour for months.

As expected, the WiFi only lasted until we left USA Air Space.  Then for about 10 hours, there was no connection.  I worked like a crazy person for those few hours we did have service.  I keep telling myself that in September I won’t have to depend on Delta for WiFi ever again.  The new iPhones come out in September and I’m already pre-approved to have the Beta version of Star Link.  Counting the days….

None of the movies – although there were probably around 30 available – were worth watching.  I ate dinner, worked, and then slept for almost 6 hours – way more sleep than I ever get at home.

There were several periods of pretty rough turbulence but other than that, it was a good flight.  We landed a few minutes early.  We had applied for QR codes for the process of going through the Health check, Immigration Entry and Customs. However, we were given paper forms on the flight which I told everyone to fill out as a backup.  No problems except for one musician.  For some reason, they refused to accept his Immigration form even though it had his photo and valid QR code.  No one else had a problem, so doesn’t make much sense.  And, he forgot to fill out the paper form so had to get out of line (which was long!) and get a form and fill it out, then get back in line.

All our bags made it and “P” (MSGT Scheneider Pallant) was waiting for us with the bus.  It was about a 3 ½ hour drive including a one hour stop for dinner at a “rest stop”.  The driver picked probably the best Rest Stop I’ve ever visited on my Korea tours.  So many choices and food was excellent.

Our rooms were ready for us once we arrived at Wolf Pack Lodge.  I was able to work until 2 am and then grab 4 hours of sleep.  Wednesday is going to be a very busy day but a GOOD one with multiple Unit Visits with the men and women serving at Kunsan Air Base.

Jude

 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7TH – PERFORMANCE AT KUNSAN AIR BASE:

As mentioned yesterday, it was a very busy – but extremely fulfilling day — at Kunsan Air Base.

We started the day with a visit to the flight line.  The group got to sit in a fighter jet for a photo op as well as have the flight crew and maintenance crew tell them all about the aircraft.

Second stop was at the Fire Department.  We toured their living facilities and learned about their shifts.  One person from Autumn Kings and one from Chapel Hart were allowed to climb to the top of the 75 foot ladder on the fire truck.  They were strapped on and the ladder was rotated once they got to the top.  Then, several of the group were allowed to use the fire hose.

Final stop was to visit with Security Forces where they explained what they do with the with Drone surveillance.  Then anyone who wanted to was allowed to fly one of their drones for a few minutes.  They cost $26,000 so they were very cautious when flying them!

I know this sounds like all these activities were arranged for the benefit and “fun” of the entertainers.  But it is definitely not that one-sided.  Our men and women serving our country are proud of their service and what they do on a daily basis.  They like being able to share their daily lives with groups who are as interested as Autumn Kings and Chapel Hart.  Both my groups always made sure to thank the military and both groups are very inquisitive and wanted to know everything about the base.  Its just another way we can thank these amazing men and women in person.

We made a very quick stop for lunch – splitting between the Food Court and the Loring Club where there was an Italian Buffet.  After lunch, we dropped Chapel Hart at lodging and Autumn Kings grabbed their equipment and headed to the venue for sound check.  As with most “first shows””, we ran into some issues with the equipment that was provided.  But, we worked through everything and they sounded great.

Chapel Hart came to the venue for sound check and Autumn Kings went back to the Wolf Pack Lodge.  Chapel Hart brought their show clothes with them and as soon as sound check was over, changed into those since they perform first.  We had a nice visit from leadership in the green room just prior to Chapel Hart taking the stage.

Every show starts with a personal message from Gary.  Just as the video started and Gary said, “Hello Kunsan Air Base”…two fighter jets took off.  So no one heard his personalized greeting! Chapel Hart has a very high energy show and are pros at getting the audience involved.  I got video of some of the attendees dancing and laughing and singing along.  So nice to bring them a little break while serving so far from family and friends.

We had a 15 minute intermission and we played Gary’s message again because lots of people had walked up about 10 minutes after Chapel Hart had kicked off their set.  During the intermission, we also played the GSF Informational video and James came on stage to talk about Gary’s son, Mac.  We have a slide that we show while James speaks and people were taking photos of the slide with the information on it about where they could find Mac’s music.  Mac lost his battle with cancer in January, 2024, but his music will live on forever.  We play his music when the doors open at each show while people are walking in.  He was a brilliant composer and if you are reading this, please take a moment to go on the Gary Sinise Foundation website and read Mac’s story.  Also go to “Mac Sinise” on YouTube and watch his videos and listen to his music.  His music is available on all streaming platforms and both LP’s are available to purchase through the GSF website.  All money generated through the sales go to support the Gary Sinise Foundation at Mac’s request.  Take a minute to “like” the music or better yet, leave a comment.  Gary does so much for the military and first responders and this is just a small way we can show our support of him and Mac’s legacy.

Autumn Kings had a great show, too.  They performed in Korea a few years ago but have definitely taken their show to the next level!  Everyone attending had a great time and most of the attendees showed up at the Meet and Greet which was held immediately after the show.

Several of us walked over to the Wolf Café to buy dinner and take back to our rooms.  I was the first to order and paid for a Caesar Salad and an egg white cheese omelet.  All the others ordered and picked up their meals way before I got mine.  I have no idea why mine took so long.  Then, when I got back to my room, I did not have a cheese omelet.  It was filled with black olives, onions, peppers, etc.  So glad I had the Caesar Salad as a backup!

We were back at lodging around 10 pm and lobby call tomorrow is 9:30 am.  I was able to get a little work done but went to bed earlier than normal so I could get up at 5 am and work.  Show tomorrow is at Camp Humphreys and is our only “indoor show”…..at least as of today.  The weather forecast for Friday and Saturday is terrible.  Rain and wind predicted.  This is Osan Air Base’s first Air Show since Covid and aircraft will be arriving today from Japan and other neighboring regions.  But nothing from the USA.  I know if the weather is bad, the Air Show has to be cancelled.  But our concert will still take place and moved indoors.  We just have to make the call tomorrow morning as to whether or not we have to move the show indoors.  We are scheduled to do a sound check on Friday and then the performance on Saturday.  Will just have to “wait and see” how the weather looks tomorrow.

The bases and the entertainers are so thankful for Gary’s and the Gary Sinise Foundation’s support by bringing them entertainment.  With all the Government cut-backs, his support comes at a much-needed time for the men and women serving.

Jude

 

THURSDAY, MAY 8TH – PERFORMANCE AT CAMP HUMPHREYS:

Up at 5 am for a 9:30 am lobby call.  Had to get some work done before leaving.  Everyone was on time and I had a really nice surprise.  Doris – our POC at Osan – rode the bus from Osan to Kunsan to meet us. So sweet of her.  It was a quick 2 ½ hour bus ride with no stops and no traffic.  And even better, lodging had our rooms ready for us!

We had about one hour to get into our rooms and several of the group walked across the street to the Food Court to grab lunch.  Doris grabbed a coffee and I had a Macha Tea.  The bus from Camp Humphreys was early but we didn’t depart until 9:30 pm.

I convinced Doris to come with us to Humphreys and the first stop was at the Base Exchange/Food Court.  Those of us who didn’t eat at Osan, grabbed lunch while everyone else shopped.  I needed to buy Pokeman cards from Indonesia at a stand where I saw them when I was here last time.  Unfortunately, they were sold out!  Maybe I’ll find some on the shopping street tomorrow.   There were two really nice massage chairs and only cost $2 for 10 minutes. Doris and I definitely took advantage of those!

We departed to the venue from the Food Court. We are performing in the Flightline Club where I’ve been many times for shows.  But this time it was much different.  Doug – our POC – had completely renovated the place and it is beautiful.  All new furniture, gorgeous wood on the walls, a remodeled bar – and he’s just getting started.  He put in a state of the art sound and lighting system as well.

Chapel Hart did their sound check first and finished in less than an hour.  Autumn Kings was next and when they finished several of us walked next door to eat dinner at The Pancake House.  It was really good food, too.  The food in the club where we are performing is great but nothing “healthy” there.  They are totally revamping the menu but the food didn’t arrive in time for our visit.  It takes 6 weeks minimum for it to come by ship from the USA.

The show started on time and after the personalized video shout out from Gary, Autumn Kings kicked it off.  The people attending were really having a great time.  At intermission we again showed the GSF Info Video and James talked about Gary’s son Mac.  Then Chapel Hart took the stage and after only one song, they had everyone up dancing!

Everyone in the Meet & Greet Line was talking about what a great show it was tonight.  Having a Rock Band and a Country Bank on the same night draws a lot more fans.

We packed up and headed back to Osan Air Base to spend the night.  Tomorrow is “supposed” to be sound check day for our Saturday performance at the air show.  Looks like we may have rain all day!  But, we will still perform on Saturday even if we don’t have a sound check!

Jude

 

SATURDAY, MAY 10TH – OSAN AIR POWER DAYS!!!

Soooooo bummed that the weather is still terrible.  No steady rain but occasional drizzle and cloudy.  There’s no aircraft flying as there should have been this morning.

I went jogging at 8 am and the 3 mile trail goes right by the flight line. There were hundreds of Koreans entering the Festival site…which is a wonderful sign!  I went to the end of the track and then came back and stopped to chat with Desmond and the Production Crew.  We made the decision NOT to have risers on the stage.  He was unable to hang the LED Wall as the musicians would cover up any content on the wall if we use the risers.  Not a big deal to not use risers but definitely need the LED Wall.

I noticed that the chairs for the audience were being set up as close to the front barricades as possible.  I called Doris to ask if I could tell the work crew to remove the first 3 rows of chairs and set them up on the side.  We NEED a dance floor for the attendees.

Then, I left everyone alone to do their jobs without me bugging them.  I continued on what was supposed to be a 3 mile jog but ended up a 4 mile jog.  Hurried back to lodging to shower, run to base exchange for a Macha latte and egg/cheese crepe, and then meet the group in the lobby at 1:30 pm.  The show will definitely go on for us.  Rain is supposed to stop at 2 pm (please, God!).  Not sure if any aircraft will fly or not.  Decision may have already been made to only allow the flights tomorrow since this is a two day event.  If we had known they were going to extend it to two days, we could have had one group perform on Saturday and one group perform on Sunday.  Would love to stay over and see the Air Show!!!

The rain finally stopped at 2:00 pm and we were able to hold the Meet and Greet but had to move it into a metal building because the temperature had dropped to what felt like the 30’s and the wind was blowing extremely hard.  Even inside the building, the pop-up banners kept blowing over!

We were supposed to start the show at 4:30 pm but decided to move it up.  The colder it got, we figured people would start leaving.  We had to wait until 3:00 to find out if the A10’s were going to be able to fly.  If they were, then we had to wait until 4:30 to begin the show.  While we were waiting, I walked around and looked at the static displays and food booths.  It’s such a fantastic set up and such a shame that the weather is so terrible.  There one South Korean jet that had a wing span that was larger than anything I’ve ever seen….and I’ve seen a lot.  That was one of the things I was so looking forward to seeing….The South Korean’s air show.

We got the word that the A-10’s would not fly.  That meant the EOD team was going to put their “explosion” in place.  It went off at exactly 3:30 pm and it was so awesome.  A huge “fireball” went up into the sky.  Then the announcer went on stage followed by the personal message from Gary.  Autumn Kings and Chapel Hart had incredible shows today…even in cold, windy conditions.  We had the dancers I expected, too.

A total of 14,000 came through the gates but if it had been nice weather, there would have been around 50,000 people.  After their sets, a lot of fans came over to the bus for photos and autographs and both groups accommodated them even though we had already had the “official” meet and greet earlier in the day.

We were back at the hotel by 6 pm and several of us went to Chili’s to eat.  It was just too cold to go off base for Korean food!  Instead of joining us at Chili’s, the girls went shopping again after we arrived back at the hotel.  LOL.

Going to get a couple of hours sleep before I have to get up at 2:00 am for a 5:00 am lobby call!

Will write more tomorrow during the 15 hour plane ride (with NO WIFI) on just how awesome this week has been!  Will also add more more as I receive them from the marketing department!

Jude

 

SUNDAY, MAY 11TH – TRAVELING HOME:

Everyone was in the lobby on time at 5 am for the trip to the airport.  It was supposed to be a 2 hour bus ride but our driver drove really fast and we arrived in an hour!  That meant the check-in counter wouldn’t open until an hour after we arrived!  I treated everyone to “Pokeman Krispy Kreme Donuts” from a little Kiosk in the departure area while we waited.

Check in was quick and easy as was Security and Passport Control.  One person was held up because he put the commemorative gun “shell” that Doris had been so kind to give everyone in his carryon bag.  At least they didn’t confiscate it.  One person also received a slip of paper saying he had to go to a certain location to “identify” an item in his checked luggage – which I’m sure was the shell as well.  Strange that the rest of us packed ours and were not targeted.

We had a few minutes in the Lounge and I went in search of last minute gifts before boarding.  There was an announcement saying the flight was boarding early and departing early!  We all made it to the gate on time and wonder of wonders, we had Wifi connection the entire flight!  Guess Delta is “slowly” getting their act back together.  I did read however that even after they get the satellites back up and all the planes re-equipped for the new WiFi, the free WiFi will only be available to Frequent Flyer Members and only on mobile devices, not on laptops!

I finally found one “decent” movie and watched it during dinner.  Was able to work a lot and sleep a little.  Keep getting reports from Doris and Henry about how beautiful the weather is for the Air Show today and how huge the crowd is.

We landed 40 minutes early in Detroit and we were the first International flight of the day.  Border Control wasn’t open so we had to sit on the plane and wait about 15 minutes until they opened at 10 am.  Immigration was fast and all our bags came in.  We said good-bye to the Autumn Kings group as they live just over the Canadian border.  Our flight to Nashville departed on time and we arrived Nashville at 12:30 pm – earliest I’ve arrived back in the USA in years!  Definitely waiting until next weekend to celebrate Mother’s Day though.

Recap of this tour:

I’ve looked forward to this tour for months and it did not disappoint.  The “package” of Chapel Hart and Autumn Kings was perfect – both on and off stage.  The groups truly “like” each other.  And having a “young rock band” and a “young country group” brought together fans of both genres.  I had so many comments from attendees saying what a great idea it was to bring both styles of music.  While I was so disappointed that we did not get to see the aircraft demonstrations, I will forever be grateful that we were still able to perform for the men and women serving ….  And so many local Koreans … at the Osan Air Power Days.  Instead of 50,000 attendees, we only had 14,000  —  still not to shabby!!!  This military in Korea are working hard defending our freedom and watching the faces, seeing them dancing, reading their comments after the shows, are what makes all of us more determined than ever to continue supporting them.  Other than the weather, I wouldn’t change anything about the tour. I know we made Gary proud because we showed so much love to so many!

Jude