Getting the Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, audience warmed up

Getting the Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, audience warmed up before Soto took the stage was a solo acoustic guitar performance by Staff Sgt. Homero Escandon Jr., a 27-year-old, currently assigned to Supply Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Fwd). Escandon entertained the crowd August 12, 2006 while playing soft rock melodies and Spanish ballads. He stated that he has been a singer since he was a boy, performing mostly in Church. According to Escandon, his musical inspiration stems from contemporary, soft and alternative rock artists. On the Spanish side of his music, he is mostly influenced by Mexican folk-artists like Vicente Fernandez, concluded Escandon."It felt great to perform, I am an entertainer at heart and I am glad I was able to provide relief and relaxation from the everyday norm we (service members) face here," said Escandon, a native of Mercedes, Texas. (Official USMC photo by: Gunnery Sgt. Willie Ellerbrock (060812-M-2258E-001) (Released)