SOUTHWEST ASIA --
Billy Joel once said, “I think music in itself is
healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all
touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.”
The U.S. Air Forces Central Command band is composed
of musicians who perform and tour throughout deployed locations to encourage
troop morale, diplomacy and outreach to host nation communities. The band
applies the healing power of music and the expression of humanity with each
show.
“In recent years we have been partnering with embassies
to do international community and educational outreach,” said Tech. Sgt.
Christin Foley, the band’s noncommissioned officer in charge and vocalist. “The
band is a great tool for this, a liaison for America and international countries,
building stronger partnerships.”
Members of the band also act as educators and
mentors who often perform in schools for children of all ages; sharing not only
America's culture, values and music but allowing for them to share their
country's culture.
“Initially everyone is shy and trying to observe one
another, but as we play music, smiles appear on faces and we all recognize the
connection we have,” said Foley. “There is a great respect and friendship bond
that builds during these moments. Not
only do we share our traditions, but they become more open, excited and proud
to share their culture, food and music with us.”
Airman 1st Class Cody Ray Peterson, the band’s
keyboardist, recalled a recent trip to the U.S. Embassy in Egypt where the band
performed a celebration of America. He described the beginning of the event to
a junior high school dance, obvious barriers between the groups of people. As
soon as the band hit the stage, the division of people in the crowd disappeared
and the Americans and Egyptians were one, sharing their passion for music.
“We constantly find ourselves as a positive and
subtle liaison - between the community and the Air Force, between world
leaders, providing morale activities and entertainment so our deployed members
can do their jobs more effectively while dealing with the stressors of being
away from friends and family,” said Foley.
When the band is not breaking down communication
barriers, they are building up the morale for fellow Service members.
“Being able to travel through the AOR performing for
troops is indescribable,” said Peterson. “Seeing the happiness and joy music
brings to fellow deployed Airmen is truly amazing. If I can, even if it's just
for a minute, put their minds at ease, evoke a smile or remind them of home,
then I’ve successfully done my job.”
Sometimes there are no perfect words to ease a
conversation, whether it is between nations or settling the minds of comrades,
so the band lets the music do the speaking for them, by building upon common
ground.
“The power of music has been known to humans in all
times and in all cultures,” said Chief Master Sgt. Francesco Jahn, Italian Task Force
air security office. “Music is a means of expression; music connects emotions,
hope, regret, love and our stories. As a form of communication, music connects
us with other human beings, our inner spirits and our history in a way that
words alone cannot. Music is the human language that bridges cultures, genders,
and generations. Because of that, I am deeply convinced playing music between
coalition forces is so important.”