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'Live Round' visits Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James Law
  • 455 Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan --  The U.S. Air Forces Central band 'Live Round' brought smiles across a multitude of faces as they showcased their talents for 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen here Feb 24-26. 

"They blew me away," said Airman 1st Class Antoinette Caruso, 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, supply customer service apprentice. "I wasn't expecting the variety and was pleasantly surprised." 

Targeting as many Airmen as they could reach, the expeditionary band performed in large and small forums. 

"The band feels a sense of satisfaction after every performance regardless of size," said Senior Master Sgt. James Bristow, a guitarist and vocalist with the band. "Our reward is being able to spread joy and happiness as well as extend our appreciation for what the different career fields do serving our country." 

During the performance at the Camp Cunningham recreation tent, two Airmen from the audience added to an already festive atmosphere when they took center stage dancing in unison to Ike and Tina Turner's song Proud Mary. 

"It is special when there are spontaneous reactions during our shows," said Sergeant Bristow. "It lets us know they are enjoying the music and having a good time." 

The band also broke down into a four-person ensemble (two vocalists, one guitarist, and a saxophone player) to perform in various workcenters remotely located where Airmen may not have had an opportunity to attend the large performances. 

"We are honored to serve those who are serving us," said Sergeant Bristow. 

Prior to arriving here, Live Round performed in Kabul, Afghanistan, Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan and the local villages and schools enhancing the partnership between the communities and the base. 

The band also performed throughout Djibouti in support of the ongoing Horn of Africa mission creating friendships with the local communities as well performances for approximatley 2,500 troops stationed at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti and the Naval Support Activity, Bahrain. 

Live Round will continue their tour of the Area of Responsibility reaching out to numerous areas in Iraq.