AFCENT Band performs for students in Abu Dhabi

Published March 27, 2009

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Members of the Air Forces Central deployed band "Falcon" performed for nearly two hundred students in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, last month as part of the an outreach opportunity within that country.

The nine-member band, which is based at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, took part in the event as part of the unit's mission to bring music to audiences, both military and civilian to "show our willingness to share of our culture and extend the hand of friendship," said Chief Master Sgt. Eric Strohecker, AFCENT Band's director of operations.

"Our ability to sit down with our host nation citizens and enjoy an event together, building a relationship of understanding and respect, is critical to us coming together," he said. "This relationship basis is important for later work on complex issues that have far reaching effects for the well being of our host nation citizens and our work together to defeat terrorists."

The 40 minute concert for the Higher Colleges of Technology's Abu Dhabi Women's College was met with enthusiasm, according to a school official.

"They played with an energy matched by the audience of ADWC students," the official said. "Afterward, band members expressed their appreciation for the warm reception, calling the audience 'inspiring.'"

A student said of the performers, "They were really great. I wish they could stay and sing more." AFCENT Band bass guitar player and singer Master Sgt. Shawn Stanley called the environment at ADWC "very refreshing," adding, "We feel honored to do this concert for you." Another band member, trumpet player Staff Sgt. David Diamond, confessed, "Seeing the light in the students' eyes inspires us to play our best!"

ADWC's Director, Dr. Bradley Cook, declared, "Having professional musicians play for our students live at this campus is a rare opportunity. Music is a great way to bring people together, and this concert has helped us all feel our common humanity."

According to Chief Strohecker, the concert was part of his organization's mission to play concerts for both regional audiences as well as for servicemembers serving throughout the area-of-responsibility that meet wide-spread appreciation from people attending the events.

"Performing for deployed troops throughout the AOR has been the most rewarding and meaningful part of our Air Force careers," Chief Strohecker said. "To see the daily dedication to duty and hard work that our Airmen go through to serve our country away from family and friends for months on end is inspiring to us."

As Col. Gus Schalkham, AFCENT Public Affairs director, notes "Music is a unique capability that can touch hearts and souls in ways nothing else can," the members of the AFCENT Band take their mission seriously.

"We feel honored to have the opportunity to help (servicemembers) feel and remember a part of home even if it is only for a brief couple of hours," Colonel Schalkham added. "I always like to say though that there aren't too many jobs in the world where you get done working and people are standing up and clapping for you. (It's) hard to beat."

(Some material provided courtesy of Abu Dhabi Women's College press release)