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Airmen receive 'Yellowcard' for good behavior

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing public affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  More than 250 servicemembers assigned to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing were infected with a special blend of rock and pop Jan. 12 when 'Yellowcard' performed live for an hour at the base theater.
 
Yellowcard, a Los Angeles-based band formerly from the Jacksonville, Fla. area, energized servicemembers of all ages during the final performance as part of their five-day United Service Organizations' sponsored tour for deployed Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines located at various locations throughout the region. Due to travel restrictions during their tour, the guitarists performed using their acoustic guitars, but were still able to 'rock' the house and bring the crowd to its feet with a standing ovation. 

"We tried to pick some songs to play that were relevant to your situation," said Ryan Key, vocalist and guitar player, as he talked to the audience in describing the music selection for the show. "If you've ever had someone tell you, you were crazy for wanting to do something you believed in, (referencing American military servicemembers wanting to serve and protect their nation), this song is for you," he said as the band began playing 'Away, Away.' 

Both Mr. Key and Ryan Mendez, guitarist, have relatives who are or have served in a branch of the U.S. armed forces. Sean Mackin, violin and vocals; Peter Mosely, bass; and Longineu Parsons III, drums, make up the remaining members of the group. 

WHY WE'RE HERE:
Mr. Key and Mr. Mendez's comments during a pre-show interview, "We've been trying to come to the Middle East for a couple of years now. Our nation's military is doing good things and we really believe in the people who are here and we want everyone to get home safe. They're doing their jobs, something they believe in, and we support them. The most important thing is to support the people who are here and what they're doing. 

DEPLOYED FAN BASE:
"The acoustics were awesome and all the songs had some sort of meaning to them," said Senior Airman Case McCarty, 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, and native of Long Beach, Calif. "The songs really hit home." 

"I've heard their music before, but I've never really sat down and listened to them. Their lyrics really touch your emotions," said Airman 1st Class Rachel Anderson, 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, who's serving on her first deployment. The native of San Bernardino, Calif. said, "I never thought I'd be watching and listening live to a band from back home way over here in Southwest Asia. It makes you feel proud to be from your home state," she added. 

Senior Airman Jessica Van Oort, 886th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, and native of Barstow, Calif., said "It really means a lot to all of us that the Yellowcard band and other Americans in the entertainment industry are willing to put themselves in danger to perform for us here."