Wild Blue Country serenades Airmen

Published March 17, 2011
Compiled from staff reports

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Personnel stationed at an undisclosed base in Southwest Asia were treated to the twang of good 'ole country music during the U.S. Air Forces Central's Band Wild Blue Country's visit March 10 to 11.

The four-member active duty Air Force band is stationed at Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is currently serving on a 90-day deployment in the AFCENT area of responsibility.

"The folks stationed here are doing great things they can't discuss, with people they can't identify, in a place they can't disclose, so they can get stuff to the fight. That makes it a difficult assignment but morale is high and their passion for what they 'bring to the fight' was apparent in every shop we visited," said Master Sgt. Karl Bradley, Operations & Logistics Rep, AFCENT Band.

The band received a hand's-on tour of a C-17; were treated to homemade pizza and went on an "acoustic" walk around the base, as well as playing three live concerts during their visit.

"It was good to hear a country band that didn't just play the usual songs," said Staff Sgt. Morgan McCormick, 405th Air Expeditionary Group Safety Office Ground Safety Manager. "They covered different generations of country, different styles and even played some original songs that sounded fantastic. The second night, they even played some rock which was a good change up."

Two of the Wild Blue Country members provided "acoustic" performances in eight shops on base, including a stop at the supply warehouse where some impromptu lessons broke out.

"(Airman 1st Class William Hester) is a real go-getter. He jumped at the chance to play my guitar and get some pointers. I can tell why he won Warrior of the Week last week. It's always a pleasure to work with quick learners like he and (Staff) Sgt. (Danielle) Hooten. They do such great work here (405th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron shop), it's great we could give a little back to them," said Tech. Sgt. Stephen Brannen, the U.S. AFCENT Band's noncommissioned officer in charge.

During the second evening performance, more than 450 personnel gathered to hear the band play, giving them a standing ovation and requesting two encores before the night was over.

"I thought the band was awesome," said Senior Airman Samantha Heimgardner, 405th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, who enjoyed line dancing to several of the songs. "It was great to be able to relax and listen to some great music."

The AFCENT Band features dynamic musicians who perform and tour in small ensembles throughout the AOR to positively promote troop morale, diplomacy and outreach to host nation communities.

"It's great to see how our mission impacts the fight and that we are bringing a touch of home and lifting morale wherever we visit," said Senior Master Sgt. Jerome Oddo, the U.S. AFCENT Band's superintendent.