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Plain White T’s and BRELAND Unite for Morale-Boosting Operation MWR Concerts

June 17, 2024 | Story by Steve Buckley | Commander, Navy Installations Command

Grammy-nominated pop rock sensation Plain White T’s and platinum-certified country music artist BRELAND performed two electrifying concerts as part of the Operation MWR entertainment series. The performances, which took place June 14 at Naval Station Everett (NS) and June 15 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, drew a combined crowd of nearly 4,000 people and provided military personnel and their families with a memorable musical experience.

Kicking off the events was BRELAND, a rising star whose boundary-pushing blend of country and hip-hop has redefined the genre. With hits such as “My Truck” and “Cross Country,” BRELAND’s dynamic stage presence and genre-bending sound has earned him critical acclaim and a place at the forefront of modern country music.

“We love BRELAND!” said Sara Smith, a Navy spouse who attended the NS Everett concert with her family. “It was awesome when I found out it was a free concert. We really appreciate it when MWR does events for us.”

As a family of five with teenagers, Smith mentioned the difficulty of attending off-base events because of the high cost. Free, fun events such as Operation MWR play a critical role in supporting military families not only financially, but also by creating lasting memories and boosting morale.

“That’s the whole point of the show,” said BRELAND, whose performances included hits such as “Cowboy Don’t,” “High Horse,” and the crowd-favorite “My Truck.” “Build morale. Put a smile on people’s faces. Let them go loose a little bit. And I think people need that.”

Headlining the two concerts was Plain White T’s. With a string of chart-topping hits like “Hey There Delilah” and “1, 2, 3, 4,” Plain White T’s have solidified their status as one of the most beloved bands in contemporary pop rock. Their infectious energy and timeless melodies resonated with the Sailors and their family members, earning them accolades from a dedicated fanbase.

“You could tell that the people really care that we are here,” said Plain White T’s lead vocalist Tom Higgenson. “To come bring a little bit of familiarity and happiness and fun to the troops, it is really special and really unique from any other show.”

Organized by the Navy’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Entertainment Program and presented by GOVX, the Operation MWR entertainment series is a testament to the commitment to providing entertainment and support to military communities around the world.

“It’s absolutely impressive what the MWR staff does on a daily basis!” said Capt. Eric Hanks, NAS Whidbey Island’s commanding officer. “There’re not many opportunities where our Sailors would be able to experience a concert of this magnitude without this level of support we have. The teamwork across the entire CNIC enterprise working together to pull off something like this for our Sailors is a real treat.”

Operation MWR serves as a token of gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members and their families, offering moments of joy and camaraderie amidst their demanding duties. The concerts also offer an opportunity for friends and family to unwind and strengthen bonds.

“[Operation MWR] enhances morale because a lot of these folks when they deploy together, they’re very much in the work mindset,” said Capt. Stacy Wuthier, Commanding Officer of NS Everett. “This allows them to come together, talk and bond in a non-work setting.”

“I was really, really excited to see them tonight!” Chantelle Raines, whose husband is an aviation structural mechanic with Patrol Squadron (VP) 69 at NAS Whidbey Island. Raines also won a chance to meet the artists before the show. “It was really nice to be able to do that. I never imagined that I would be able to meet them.”

Navy MWR's Operation MWR will host 65+ free events at Navy installations worldwide from May to June 2024. These events aim to boost morale and resilience among service members and their families through live entertainment, recreational activities, food, games and more. Open to active duty members, reservists, veterans, retirees, DoD civilians and eligible MWR patrons. For more information about Operation MWR and to find your local event, please visit NavyMWR.org/OperationMWR.

Navy MWR’s mission is to deliver high-quality, customer-focused programs and services that contribute to resiliency, retention, readiness and quality of life. Navy MWR Entertainment tours make a positive impact on the morale of our troops. The program provides quality, live entertainment for Sailors stationed overseas and on deployed ships at sea. For more information about the program, visit NavyMWR.org/Entertainment.

No Navy endorsement implied.