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'Vertical Horizon' rocks deployed members on Independence Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eric Summers Jr.
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Hundreds of deployed servicemembers enjoyed the tunes of multi-platinum selling artists Vertical Horizon during an Independence Day celebration, July 4, in Southwest Asia.

The group, known for its hit record "Everything You Want," among other songs, performed at Memorial Plaza for members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and partner units.

It was the band's third trip to perform for deployed military members.

"What we are doing is what I consider to be the least that anybody could do -- which is just to try to, in the smallest way, say thank you," said Matt Scannell, the group's guitarist and vocalist, and a founding member.

As the band played, the crowd sang and clapped along to the beats of the songs.

"It was great and wonderful. I really felt like it built the morale up here," said Staff Sgt. Maria Traconis, 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. "It's something you don't get to see every day and gives the chance to relax and get away from the work atmosphere."

"I think it's awesome," said Thomas Pitman, Combined Air and Space Operations Center facility manager and retired senior master sergeant. "I was in the Air Force for 24 years and anytime a group comes here and does something like this I feel appreciated."

During the concert, Pitman, who performed with an on-base band as the opening act of the night, had the extraordinary opportunity to go on stage and play guitar with Vertical Horizon.

The group played their 1999 number one hit song, "Everything you want," as well as several tracks from their latest album release, "Burning the Days," during a nearly two-hour set.

"I'm amazed, just blown away by how cool these guys are. We went backstage with Vertical Horizon and [Scannell] said, 'Hey, we want to bring you on stage to play with us,'" Pitman said. "I said I would bring my guitar and he said, 'No, I will give you mine to play with.'"

Members of the crowd represented all military branches plus coalition partners. Among those enjoying the show were wounded warriors here for treatment or in transit.

"It means a lot, people coming here to support us -- especially overseas and coming here of their own free will," said U.S. Army Private 1st Class Kyle Porter, a wounded warrior here from the 64th Cavalry. "I listened to them back in the 90s, but now is the first time I've heard them since then. They're really good."

Porter injured his leg while picking up a supply drop in Afghanistan when he slipped 50 to 75 meters down a hill. He noted the difference in his celebration of Independence Day while recovering here, as opposed to that of his fellow Soldiers back in his unit.

"Right now if I was with my unit we would either be on air assault, mounted patrols outside the wire, or other various missions," Porter said. "I want to let [my fellow Soldiers] know to keep their spirits up, keep pushing through the fight, make it home safely and that there are many prayers for them. I hope to see them soon."

Following the concert, the band posed for photos and signed autographs on complimentary CDs for the audience members.

"We are grateful. We are so thankful for you guys for taking the time and spending years of your lives in service of our country," Scannell said. "And just know that everybody back home loves you, misses you, and wants you to come home safe and sound."