Sunday, August 5, 2007 will not soon be forgotten by me, US Army Sgt FC. Darrin Domko and the people at Augustfest '07 in Des Plaines, Illinois.

Some of you may remember the story of the "Singing Sergeant" we met in Baghdad in 2004. Darrin and I became fast friends and he shared a secret with me. It was his dream to sing on stage with the 101st Rock Division. Well folks, that wish was so easy to grant. When Darrin found out that he was more than welcome to sing on stage with our band (after I found out that this soldier could really sing,) we decided that it was time for Darrin to join the band for an entire night and make his dream come true.

To be honest, we have never allow anyone to spend an entire night with us on stage, but it felt right. Darrin hit the correct harmonies as a background vocalist, and even chimed in on tambourine without missing a beat. The band sounded better because of Darrin, and he is welcomed back anytime he'd like, to honor us in the future with his God given talent.

The best part of the night for me, was when Darrin took center stage; alone, ... and sang "God Bless The USA." Darrin brought his own music tracks, and when the band cleared the stage, there he was, standing in his Army, battle-fatigues and green-beret, singing like an angel. I loved seeing the crowd, many of whom didn't know we had an extra singing sensation with us, stand, "flick their Bic's" and cheer on this proud American hero.

Darrin sang "Crocodile Rock" to his beautiful (and pregnant) wife Keri who probably was the most proud of anyone in the audience, ... "I remember when rock was young, me and Keri had so much fun ..."

For his third solo, Darrin picked "American Soldier." I had the honor of playing guitar while he sang. You can't imagine the chills that shot through me as an American soldier sang the words Toby Keith wrote. When Darrin and I caught each other's eye during the song, we both had tears and smiles.

Darrin's "Fan Club" that numbered over 20, flew in from all over the country and his nephew's and niece's made red, white and blue signs that read; "Uncle Darrin, you Rock!" I loved watching Darrin's Aunt Lizzie cry everytime she looked up at him. Afterward, Keri told me Aunt Lizzie kept saying, "I love to watch Darrin have fun," as she'd cry even harder! lol

Former 101st Rock Division-bassist, Jonathan Brant, called me to speak with Darrin. One of the nicest surprises was seeing former 101st Rock Division-keyboard player, Vic Lubieniecki backstage before the show to see Darrin again. It truly was a "love-fest" backstage.

The night ended with all of us standing on stage and singing "The Star Spangled Banner" together. Every single person in the audience stood, with hand on heart and sang along. The biggest, toughest guy in Des Plaines, Rick Storto Sr., who helps produce Augustfest, came on stage with us at the end and sang along. Storto, a former US Army soldier himself, hugged me afterward, kissed my cheek, and with his bottom lip quivering, and said, ... "Why do you do this to me every time?"

THANK YOU Darrin Domko, for spending part of your "18-day leave" with the people of Illinois. Thank you for your friendship and for sharing your tremendous singing talent with us, and thank you for helping to spread patriotism. Keep safe my brother and may God speed you home.

Sgt FC Darrin Domko Rocks!