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'Blue Hawk' brings U.S. Independence Day spirit to Kyrgyzstan

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan --  The fact that no firework displays lit the Kyrgyzstan sky marking the 235th birthday of America doesn't mean the United States citizens here didn't celebrate the event.

The current U.S. Air Forces Central Expeditionary Band "Blue Hawk" spent the weekend leading up to Independence Day, and the holiday, performing for Americans and Kyrgyz citizens alike at the American Embassy, the Transit Center, in the nation's capital Bishkek and a cancer center.

The band, composed entirely of U.S. Air Force Guardsmen from Texas, embraced the opportunity to share their holiday with every American and Kyrgyz citizen they for whom performed.

"As a musician the most rewarding part of our job is being able to get on stage and play for people and bring a little home to them here," said Tech. Sgt. Lane McCray, Blue Hawk vocalist. "To be able to represent our country at the American embassy was a very proud moment. Then to represent the United States in Bishkek and to see (the people of this country) respond to what we were doing was just mind blowing; there is nothing like it, I can't explain it."

Army Staff Sgt. Zenia Boswell, U.S. Embassy office of military cooperation NCO in charge, attended two of the band's performances.

"I love being an American citizen," she said. "I wanted to come celebrate the holiday with a group of Americans and locals. The band is great -- they are very good, very entertaining and very personable."

The U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Pamela Spratlen, and the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander Col. James Jacobson attended the band's performance in Bishkek.

"The band is continually on the road linking countries, cultures and people through their music," Jacobson said during his remarks at the performance. "We at the transit center are quite fortunate to have the opportunity to share part of America and America's military with you and to be able to show you in a small way how much we appreciate the friendship we have with your country. The Transit Center at Manas greatly appreciates your friendship and hospitality; we look forward to our continued partnership."

Being able to share his Independence Day with the children and families at the cancer center was a memorable experience for Maj. Eric Patterson, commander of Blue Hawk.

"The most rewarding part is that today is our Independence Day, the 4th of July, and we're performing (in Bishkek)," he said. "To look at a country that is much younger than ours and see these young children who have the opportunity for a free life ahead ... it means a lot to us sharing that today."