10/20/2011 - FORT MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- A vocalist with the Air National Guard Band of the Central States performed in front of more than 46,000 people Oct. 19 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo.
Staff Sgt. Brian Owens sang "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch of the World Series between the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals.
"I've sang in front of large crowds before, but it was a whole different vibe," Owens said. "The energy was 10 times higher, and when people started to sing with me, it was amazing."
Owens is no stranger to singing in front of Cardinals fans. He said he sang during Game 3 of the National League Championship Series Oct. 12 and has sung during a regular season game several years ago when he was still on active duty.
"There was the same amount of people (at the World Series) as there was during the (NLCS), but I didn't realize 15 million people were watching it live," Owens said.
At this point in his career, Owens is used to performing on a large stage. He was a member of the Air Force Sidewinder band that garnered national attention in August when a video showcasing Staff Sgt. Angie Johnson performing Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" went viral. To date, it has nearly 2 million views on YouTube.
"It was so unexpected, but it was a blast," he said. "It really helps our mission and puts us in a position to do what we do."
"It's a great opportunity for the military that the public can see someone in uniform doing something positive.
He said that being in the band is incredibly special to him because it allows him to help others in ways many others can't.
"In some moments, it's a catalyst to help people re-experience their own patriotism," Owens said. "It can also help a veteran feel proud because he's a brother in uniform."
