An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Blue Hawk grooves with Army servicemembers

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jorge Cruz, Jr.
  • AFCENT Band Blue Hawk Saxophonist
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The Air Force Central Band, Blue Hawk, provided Latin grooves and party music for Army servicemembers in an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia June 8.

Blue Hawk kicked off the night with several Latin pop tunes, such as "Johnny's Mambo" from Dirty Dancing, and the audience immediately showed their approval through cheering and dancing.

Several soldiers took to the dance floor and displayed their salsa moves. Blue Hawk vocalist Tech. Sgt. Lane McCray handed out cowbells, shakers, and tambourines and led the audience in singing along. This positive reception indicated that Blue Hawk's mission was being met - providing our fellow service men and women with music and a taste of home in order to increase troop morale.

The band was honored to share the stage with Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Holiday, Sr., who picked up an electric bass and performed The Temptation's tune, "Just My Imagination," to the boisterous applause of the audience.

Base commander Col. Maxine Girard presented each band member with a coin.

At the end of the performance one soldier said, "This music really put me in a better mood."

"Thank you!" another said. "This was the first live entertainment that I've seen in my six months here."

By night's end, Blue Hawk's grooves and the support of local leadership left a warm smile and a special memory in the hearts of all who participated.