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Air Force band Sirocco takes Manas by storm

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Patrick J. McCracken
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, KYRGYZ REPUBLIC --  The Air Forces Central band "Sirocco" was a force to be reckoned with as they performed 15 concerts in their nine day visit here Aug. 7-15.

The 11-person band's visit to Manas included multiple performances at an assortment of venues in the local Kyrgyz communities. They are from the 572nd Air Force Band, which is also known as the Air National Guard Band of the Smokey Mountains.

The part-time Airmen, who are stationed at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville, Tenn., have a wide variety of civilian careers outside of the ANG, including music student, music teacher, human resources advisor, postal worker, professional musician, IT tech and mother of two. They left all that behind to come out here and serve - not only their country - but their fellow service members as well by bringing the sounds and music of home and offering a respite from the daily pressures of deployed life.

Prior to arriving at Manas, they performed at several locations in Southwest Asia, including bases in Kabul, Afghanistan and two forward operating bases there, along with bases ringing the Persian Gulf. Audiences at these bases consisted of Airmen, Soldiers and Marines and were in need of a well deserved break. Even the most tired and battle weary warrior found themselves tapping their feet or even all out dancing to the band's engaging and interactive shows. As their time in Afghanistan drew to a close, they found themselves having to mentally change gears for the new audience they were about to encounter in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Upon arrival at Manas, the band traded in their flak vests and helmets for Polo shirts and khakis and headed off base where they performed heartfelt shows for children at orphanages, village community centers and a children's cancer center. While the youngsters speak only Russian or Kyrgyz and the songs were in English, the entertaining message resonated loud and clear. The adage, "music transcends all language barriers" was proven again and again throughout their many performances of songs by artists ranging from Bob Marley to Blues Traveler.

Each of the performances for the children in the community was a moving experience for the band members.

"I can't help but reflect on the similarities between here and when I traveled to Russia to adopt my two children," said band trumpeter and operations director, Tech. Sgt. Steve Burdick. "I called my wife to tell her that one of the little guys here is actually the spitting image of my son."

Perhaps no visit was more moving than the concert at the children's cancer center. The performance was held in the hospital's courtyard and many of the children had to wear masks and stay out of the sun. Never the less, they danced, sang and clapped their hands with as much zeal and delight as any of the other kids entertained throughout the band's tour.

"It was so rewarding to interact with the Kyrgyz children and make them smile," said Staff Sgt. Michelle McGill, the band's lead female vocalist. "They always find a way to communicate what they are thinking and how much they appreciate what we are doing for them. It's really exciting to see their faces light up when I sing to them."

During their tour the band also played several concerts on base for the permanent party and transient service members.

"As a former Air Force saxophonist, I have seen many performances in my 27-year career, but Sirocco has surpassed them all - hands down," said Maj. Peter Milkovich, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing commander's executive officer. "They have an amazing depth of talent that allows them to master all genres of music with ease."

"We certainly are thrilled by the many compliments we've received from the military personnel here," said Senior Master Sgt. Hilary Walton, band superintendent, base guitarist and vocalist, "but the highlight of this visit for me was performing for the children and hopefully having a positive effect on the relations between the base and the community."

"It was a true honor to have had the opportunity to tour with the band at Belovidosky orphanage. Their performance brightened the day for the kids and the staff," said Col. Christopher Bence, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "The band's mission is extremely important to help the Airmen at Manas and the United States in general build enduring friendships with the local community and the Kyrgyz people."