Richie Sambora Performed For Marines At Camp Pendleton Friday Night
CAMP PENDLETON -- Hundreds of Marines gathered at Camp Pendleton on Friday for a special event that started with Bon Jovi's lead guitarist handing out guitars to the troops.
Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora lit up Camp Pendleton on Friday as he performed some of his classic material in front of an audience of Marine fans.
"A humble 'thank you'… something I can do for the gratitude I have for these guys," said Sambora.
Sgt. David Vizcaino told 10News, "[It] just boosted morale here. [Sambora] came on his own free will. Nobody does that around here."
Several thousand Marines entered a contest in the spring to win guitars customized by Sambora, who paid for them with his own cash so he could put a smile on the faces of those who fight for freedom.
The guitars are full-size guitars that fold in half and fit in a special backpack, which makes it easy for Marines to take them anywhere in the world.
"For him to come out and give us a guitar…That's amazing," said Sgt. Brian Mullen. "I mean, to do something so small maybe to him is something so big to us."
The event came a few months after Marines signed up for the contest at SponsorTheMarines.com, a website that provides morale-building opportunities for Marines and their families.
"Just to come out here and see what they're doing for the marines out here and then for Richie to give up his time is just amazing," added Mullen.
