Monday, August 23, 2010

Rapper Paul Wall thanks troops at Fort Hood

Paul Wall has a lot of history with Killeen and the military, from his roots to the beginning of his rap career.

The military has always been a part of Wall's life, so giving back to the military is something he's happy to do.

Wall spent his day at Fort Hood to say "thank you" and meet with fans.

First, Wall made a stop at Fort Hood's Main Exchange Friday to greet fans and sign copies of his latest release "Heart of a Champion." Then, for his second appearance at the event, Wall performed at Fort Hood's Back 2 School Bash at the Bronco Youth Center.

The grandson of a World War II and Korean War veteran, Wall said a large portion of his fan base that helped establish his career is military. Wall thinks of Killeen as his backyard, and at the beginning of his career as an independent artist, he had his music at Renaissance Records.

"The military (service members) has always supported me," he said, before meeting dozens of anxious fans lined up in the center aisle of the exchange. "Soldiers stationed in Texas or from Texas are part of my fan base."

Wall returned from his fourth USO tour overseas days before his appearance at Fort Hood.

Jaline Fernandez, a sophomore at Ellison High School, described her first encounter with the Texas rapper as "awesome."

"I got a picture with him," she said with a smile. "He's a real nice person."

Fernandez said Wall was one of the first rap artists she supported. Fernandez said she learned about his appearance, while shopping at the exchange Friday.

Spc. Ayden Ruiz, 582nd Medical Logistics Company, 1st Medical Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command, a native Texan, said he likes that Wall represents the state.

"I've seen him before, but I never got to meet him."

Ruiz said Wall's appearance showed the soldiers and families that he cared. "It means people care about what we do no matter how famous they get."

Anytime he has the opportunity to speak or meet with troops and their families, Wall said he is willing to take the time out.

"It's funny. They come up to me and say 'thank you' but we appreciate the opportunity."

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