‘American Airman’: Max Impact debuts new original song, video at AFA conference

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Eric Sullivan
  • U.S. Air Force Band


WASHINGTON (AFNS) – The U.S. Air Force Band's Max Impact debuted its newest song, "American Airman," in front of the highest ranking members of the Air Force, along with other distinguished visitors from government and industry, at the Outstanding Airmen of the Year banquet at the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14.

The song was written by Max Impact members Tech. Sgt. Nalani Quintello and Senior Master Sgt. Matt Ascione. Max Impact has made unique contributions to the Airman culture, writing career field-specific songs for the honor guard, "Stand;" and U.S. Air Force Special Operations, "Send Me." However, for this project, the members of the band wanted to broaden the scope of their message.

"I never would have thought I'd be co-writing a song specifically for the Air Force and premiering it in front of our leaders, including the chief of staff, Gen. (Mark A. Welsh III). It's such an honor to be able to write and sing for something much bigger than myself."

According to Quintello, they were inspired to write the song by the desire to "incorporate every aspect of being an American Airman.

“We all raised our right hand and swore to defend our country with our lives,” Quintello said. “We're all fighting for the same thing on the same team, and that's what brings us so close together.

“We're one big family. One of my favorite lines in the song is, 'We stand together on freedom's ride. Brothers and sisters you can never divide.'"

According to Ascione, once the song started to come together, he knew he wanted to premiere it at this year’s AFA conference.

“Our commander (Col. Larry Lang) had previously requested that we write a sort of 'fight song' for the Air Force, and we hope this song fits the bill perfectly," Ascione said.

As for writing the song with Quintello, the newest Max Impact member, Ascione said, "She's a fantastic collaborator. It's great to have someone who has just come from the edge of the popular music scene (American Idol) to bounce ideas off and to have fresh ideas."

Quintello offered her thoughts on the process as well.

"It's always a pleasure to write with Master Sgt. Ascione ... we just fed off of each other and created our interpretation of what it means to be an American Airman."

According to Quintello and Ascione, the song also includes a little Air Force history, referencing Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold, the only 5-star Air Force general, and Gen. Billy Mitchell, an early advocate of the worth of airpower.

The intended audience for the song isn't the only thing that sets the song apart from Max Impact's previous offerings. Where "Stand" and "Send Me" take their musical cues from hard rock and metal, "American Airman" is firmly in the vein of new Nashville country.

"I feel that the musical style is more accessible to a wider range of listeners, and Nalani's voice is a perfect match for the tune," Ascione said, commenting that there is also a "shout" chorus at the end, which is a perfect spot for an audience or listener to join in.

Max Impact filmed the music video using the flightline at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, as their backdrop. The U.S. Air Force Band's producer, Chief Master Sgt. Jebodiah Eaton, supervised the project, which brought together professionals from Air Force Television and the 11th Wing Public Affairs team to shoot and edit the music video. Aircraft were supplied by the 811th Operations Group, 459th Air Refueling Wing and 113rd Fighter Wing.

"The synergy on the project was a testament to the professionalism of all of those involved," Eaton said.

"This project came together rather quickly and represents the flexibility and seamless integration of active, Guard and Reserve components of the Air Force."