AFCENT Band

Master Sgt. Jerry Kelley, lead guitarist, and Airman 1st Class Carmen Emborski, vocalist, interact with students at the local Virginia Commonwealth University in Southwest Asia during a Jan. 22 performance of "Starlifter," the U.S. Air Forces Central Band. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Anthony Graham)

AFCENT band rocks universities in Southwest Asia

Published Jan. 27, 2011
By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon and Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The United States Air Forces Central Band, Starlifter, entertained a crowd of students and faculty at the local Virginia Commonwealth University campus here Jan. 20.

Starlifter, comprised of eight performers and two support Airmen, spends roughly 75 percent of its time traveling around the AFCENT area of responsibility with a primary mission of troop morale. The band also aims to build partnership capacity with the host nations, said Maj. Matthew Henry, AFCENT band officer in charge.

"This is the first time we've come to the Education City," Major Henry said. "This is a new initiative. One of our goals is to build relationships between the base and the host nation's educational facilities. We are hoping this will lead to more community outreach activity."

Their 90-minute performance included music from different genres and eras. The crowd joined in with each song, singing and dancing.

"It's great! These guys are fantastic," said Bill McGee, Virginia Commonwealth Administration Office chief. "The kids enjoyed it, and so did the faculty."

Mr. McGee said the college of design includes students representing 28 nations, and this was the first time they have had a military band perform.

"The crowd showed that music is a universal language and allows people to relax and enjoy themselves," said Master Sgt. Jerry Kelley, Starlifter lead guitarist. "I think this is a great way for us to bring a little bit of the American flavor to the host nation."

On Jan. 22, the band performed at the Texas A&M in Education City. Several members of the audience said they were particularly impressed with the band's performance.

"It was awesome," said Karol Nader, Texas A&M event coordinator. "It was the perfect weather, the perfect atmosphere and the perfect band. We would love to have them again."

The school's Dean of Students especially enjoyed the band's classic rock genre.

"I enjoyed the 70s and 80s songs," said the Dean, Mark Weichod. "In particular, I liked the Santana set at the end."

The band members rotate out every few months and continuously tour the AOR, providing entertainment to troops and fostering partnership with the host nation.