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The new AFCENT Band arrives

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Steven M. Przyzycki
  • AFCENT Band
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar --  U.S. Air Force Central Command has a new band. "Touch 'N Go" arrived Aug. 14, and is off and running. They have performed two shows for servicemembers in Qatar, and are now on the road performing for Airmen, joint and coalition partners downrange.

The band is comprised of seven musicians deployed to Southwest Asia from the United States Air Forces in Europe Band located at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. They are scheduled to travel more than 9,000 miles, through at least 7 countries, reaching as many as 10,000 people to promote troop morale, enhance diplomacy and build outreach to host nation communities.

"We have a great show with a diversity of styles," said Music Director, Tech. Sgt. Sam Kennedy. "We have some pop, hip-hop, classic-rock, country; there really is something for everyone."

During their deployment they will travel to locations throughout Afghanistan and the Gulf States. Many of their Afghanistan performances will be the last at that location due to the ongoing retrograde operations in Afghanistan.

Members of the AFCENT Band, like all Airmen deployed to the Afghanistan, attend Combat Airman Skills Training prior to arriving in the AOR.

"CAST taught us how to be alert and cognizant while maintaining the correct thought processes no matter the situation," said Senior Airman Ken Miller Jr., Audio Engineer for the band.

Partner nations continue to play a key role in supporting coalition efforts in Afghanistan and elsewhere. Supporting those partnerships is also an important part of the AFCENT Band mission.

"We truly value our relationships with our regional partners and use our musical mission to elevate that effort. We will partner with embassies, schools, and other community groups to build trust and confidence through cultural exchange," said Capt. Daniel W. Boothe, Officer in Charge of the AFCENT Band.

The previous AFCENT band performed at the Qatar Music Academy, the American School of Doha, and for several embassies from Oman to Egypt. Future plans include partnering with new American-based schools in the region, supporting embassy cultural exchange programs, and performing outdoors for an all-access public concert in Doha which will be the first of its kind for the AFCENT Band.

"For some people in these communities, this will be their first contact with American military members. A first impression is a lasting impression, and we want to put our best foot forward," added Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Larson, the band's Director of Operations. "Furthermore, playing for our deployed brothers in arms is one of the most rewarding experiences an Airman musician will ever have."

For most of the members of Touch 'N Go this is not their first trip to the AOR. They are glad to be back doing what matters most.

"We are extremely happy to be here," said the band's non-commissioned officer in charge, Master Sgt. Andrew Benton. "We look forward to having a positive effect on troop morale. We want to remind everyone of home through our music. How honored we are to have this opportunity!"

Keep up with the AFCENT Band on their Facebook page or visit: http://www.afcent.af.mil/units/afcentband/index.asp