Rapper and actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges’ fans on Fort Stewart received an early Christmas gift when the Grammy-winning artist signed autographs and posed for photos Sunday afternoon at the Fort Stewart Main Exchange.
Ludacris visited the Hinesville post as part of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service’s Welcome Home Extravaganza, which spanned several days. According to a news release from the service, Ludacris’ stop at the installation began when he joined wounded soldiers and Purple Heart recipients for lunch at a dining facility. The singer later visited Warriors Walk. Both events were closed to the media.
Before he intercepted a line of fans that wrapped around the Post Exchange building, Ludacris sat for media interviews. He said when he met the soldiers, he was happier to see them than they were to see him.
“Everything they do for this country – and me included – I feel like it’s my duty to give back and show my appreciation,” Ludacris said. 
No one was happier to hear that than the rapper’s fans who camped out in lawn chairs for hours before the Post Exchange’s doors opened. Military family member Latonya McCoy, her son Dale and her friend Valerie Sutten were near the start of the line. 
“We arrived at nine this morning to be the first in line so we can get an autograph and a picture with him,” McCoy said. “We’re big fans.” 
Rickey Rowell, 55, waited five hours to have a CD and a bottle of Ludacris’ Conjure brand cognac autographed. He said the experience was worth the wait. “Oh yes it is. He is a great entertainer and actor, plus he does a lot for the soldiers,” Rowell said.