Port Townsend: Singing paratrooper returns from Iraq

PORT TOWNSEND — Instead of a stage, there was sand. Instead of spotlights, there were palm trees. And the audience was holding automatic weapons.

But they were the best audience Martha Krabill has ever performed for.

“We have never gotten a reaction like we had in Iraq,” said Krabill. “We got a standing ovation pretty much after every song. They loved it all.”

Port Townsend’s answer to Bob Hope, Krabill, 20, is the singing paratrooper who joined the 82nd Airborne after graduating from Port Townsend High School two years ago.

She was first assigned to the kitchen as a cook, but when the brass discovered her singing talent, she was transferred to the division’s All American Band.

The band was sent to Iraq in December to entertain the troops before Christmas.

—————

The rest of the story appears in the Sunday Peninsula Daily News.

More in News

Sula Adams, 4, hands Santa a candy cane during Santa’s visit to Port Townsend. Santa made an early visit on Saturday to hear children’s Christmas wishes and to light the community tree at Haller Fountain. Sitting next to Santa is Sula’s grandma Christi and her mom Corrine is on the right. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Christmas wishes

Sula Adams, 4, hands Santa a candy cane during Santa’s visit to… Continue reading

‘Perfect storm’ affecting housing

Energy codes, wages driving up costs

Ben Veghte, director of the Washington Cares Fund at the state Department of Social and Health Services.
WA Cares can provide long-term insurance benefits, director says

Program funded by payroll tax can be used for up to $36,500

Wreaths Across America set for Saturday

The Michael Trebert chapter of the Daughters of the… Continue reading

“Fractal Phase,” dancing with various lights, highlighted the Wintertide Festival of Lights on Saturday at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. A large gathering of people cool temperatures to see lights, entertainment, consume food and get a chance to buy Christmas gifts. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Festival of Lights

“Fractal Phase,” dancing with various lights, highlighted the Wintertide Festival of Lights… Continue reading

McKinley reimbursed for energy efficiencies

Updates happened before mill’s closure

Derek Kilmer.
Kilmer’s final speech in Congress includes Port Angeles, Olympic Peninsula

Congressman continues practice of writing letter to his children

Peninsula College tuition to rise 3.3 percent

Increase to add about $54 per quarter, institution says

WSDOT still cleaning up after bomb cyclone

Transportation budget faces uncertainty in coming state session

Four people injured in crash at R Corner

A Port Angeles woman was flown to a Seattle… Continue reading

Woman airlifted to hospital after collision on Highway 101

A Quilcene woman was airlifted to a Seattle hospital after… Continue reading

Santa, played by Alexis Smith, a Lake Crescent Lodge employee, wonders why Zoey Doud, 3, of Port Angeles thinks the big present under the tree is for her. Santa turned on the outdoor lights at the lodge on Saturday then sat down by the fireplace to visit with the many children who came to the festivities. Entertainment was provided by the holiday songs of the Grand Olympic Chorus. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Lighting up the Lodge

Santa, played by Alexis Smith, a Lake Crescent Lodge employee, wonders why… Continue reading