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“Falcon” lands in Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. James Law
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan --  The U.S. Air Forces Central band "Falcon" showcased their musical talents for audiences both large and small here June 20 through June 22.

The band's first performance entertained the early-morning attendees of the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group change of command ceremony with a variety of pop music before and after the ceremony. During the formal procedure, the band played Ruffles and Flourishes, the General's March, the national anthem, and the Air Force song.

"It was really exciting for us to do a change of command to begin with, but to do one in the AOR (area of responsibility) at a place like Bagram, where this is the tip of the spear, was really a thrill," said Senior Master Sgt. James Weber, the band's superintendant.

Later in the afternoon, the band gathered their acoustical gear and set out to reach the Airmen assigned the aircraft maintenance squadrons remotely located on the opposite side of the base.

"Sometimes there are folks who are unable to get to the entertainment that's offered on the bases...because of their schedules," said Sergeant Weber. "What we try to do is to go out with our acoustic instruments and play for those small work centers."

In addition to the small performance, the band hosted a two-hour concert open to the base's population. After opening with 'The Sweet Escape' by Gwen Stefani, the music varied from country and rock to rhythm and blues. In the mix of variety, Brig. Gen. Mike Holmes, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, was invited to make a guest performance picking the tunes to Lynyrd Skynard's 'Sweet Home Alabama.'

"The general is a great musician," said Sergeant Weber. "If he ever decides to give up commanding, we have a spot for him."

As the show progressed, random members of the audience were called on stage to join the band by shaking maracas, a tambourine and dancing and singing chorus lines.

"When we do our larger shows, we try to turn it around and make the audience the show," said Sergeant Weber. "When we leave our shows, what we want people to remember is their part of the show."

When the band finished what they thought was the last song, the crowd vocalized their appreciation chanting "one more song."

"They are the reason why we are here," said Sergeant Weber. "We are trying to uplift people and let them know they are not forgotten, that they are loved and we try to bring a little bit of home to them."

These dynamic musicians perform and tour in small ensembles throughout the AOR to positively promote troop morale, diplomacy and outreach to host nation communities.