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USAFCENT band Sidewinder a high note for Bagram

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Wright
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  The U.S. Air Forces Central Command band "Sidewinder" rocked their way through Bagram Airfield, afghanistan, Aug. 12-16, 2011, as part of their tour throughout Afghanistan to bring a slice of home to deployed men and women.

The band played multiple shows each day to allow as many people as possible to attend the events. One of their stops included the Craig Joint Theater Hospital, where troops and patients could be seen with smiles on their faces.

"I think the band is great," said Staff Sgt. Maria Pallera, 455th Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron surgical technician. "It's great for the patients and the workers. It lifts our spirits and gives us motivation to do our jobs as best as we can."

The band's mission is to positively promote troop morale, diplomacy and outreach to host nation communities; and judging by the reactions of the servicemen and women they played for, they did just that.

"What a difference they've made in my personal life as well as the lives of the people here at BAF," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Warren Watties, 455 AEW chaplain. "I believe so many folks have so many things weighing on their minds and to see spirits lifted brings joy to my heart. It's great to see folks who would leave their comfort zone and come here and sing for us. I know they're going to be a blessing everywhere they go."

At each performance, the band energetically engaged the crowed, inviting people to play a cowbell or dance to the rhythm. Smiles and laughter would often break out as people would hear a song they recognized and join in singing or dancing.

"Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world ... " The Journey lyrics immediately caused knowing looks between friends as they would grab an imaginary microphone and attempt to hit the high notes.

After one rousing outdoor performance in front of more than 200 people, the band announced they were finished and began to leave. The crowd would have none of it and enthusiastically began chanting for "One more song!" After determining what song the crowd wanted, they performed "Freebird" to the delight of everyone in attendance.

For the 10-member rock band, this is what it's all about.

"We've had some great reactions," said Staff Sgt. Ransom Miller, Sidewinder trumpet player. "Some people come up to us and say, 'This is the best day of my deployment; thank you for bringing me a slice of home.' It makes me feel like I' m doing some good in the world. The reason I'm a musician is to make people's lives better and who better than the troops overseas?"

Staff Sgt. Brian Owens, Sidewinder lead vocalist, echoed Miller's words.

"It's an honor and privilege to do this," Owens said. "We are out here playing and singing for the true rock stars - our men and women that put themselves in harm's way every day. Seeing their reactions to hearing a song that they know is heartwarming, and I love knowing we are positively impacting the mission by enhancing troop morale. I don't know if it gets any better than that."