Luke Airmen enjoy 'Lt. Dan Band' show

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Janet Haliburton
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) --  Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band received rave reviews from the more than 1,500 Luke Airmen who attended a free United Service Organizations concert Saturday night.

Well known for his “Forrest Gump” character “Lt. Dan”, Gary Sinise and his band, the Lt. Dan Band, played a variety of music from classic rock to current popular tunes. 

"I was surprised they covered so many awesome songs," said Staff Sgt. David Velasquez, 56th Aerospace Medicine Squadron medical technician.

This was the second tour at Luke for Mr. Sinise and the band. 

"Incredible concert," said Senior Airman Brandon Fay, an F-16 weapons load team member with the 61st Fighter Squadron. "It was just as great as his last concert."

Mr. Sinise invited some of Luke's youngest family members on stage to rock out with the band. 

"It's great to have something free on base to take your family," said Senior Airman Holly Alafa, 56th AMDS diet therapy technician. "My children and I had a great time. It means a lot to be able to bring your family to things like this. The support he (Gary Sinise) gives to the military is great."

For some in attendance it was also a great way to celebrate a special occasion. 

"Great concert," said concert goer Allison Simmons. "Today is my son Ethen's first birthday, and we are glad that we came out."

The band "Steal Wool" kicked off the concert as the opening act. 

The 56th Services Squadron began planning the concert event in October. 

There were numerous agencies on base that were involved in the planning including services, civil engineering, logistics, public affairs, protocol, security forces, maintenance operations, equipment maintenance, medical group and mission support, according to Lt. Meaghan Jordan, 56th SVS Combat Support Flight commander and wing project officer for the show.

"Additionally we had great support from Triwest (Healthcare Alliance) and the United Service Organizations," Lieutenant Jordan said.

All the planning and coordination was worth it, according to Lieutenant Jordan. 

"I feel the event was extremely successful and very well executed," she said. "The band played many different genres of music that entertained both children and adults well into the evening."