Soldiers, Airman boost morale during ‘off time’

  • Published
  • By Army Sgt. Jennifer S. Emmons
  • 17th Public Affairs Detachment
FIREBASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  The sound of a live, acoustic version of the Guns ’n’ Roses classic “Sweet Child O’ Mine” filtered through the base dining facility where Soldiers stationed here were gathered.

The entertainment was not provided by a headliner on a United Service Organizations tour, but by servicemembers desiring to share their love of music with others. Army Sgts. Charles Duncan and Jonathan Swigert, both with Combined Task Force Bronco, and Staff Sgt. Megan King with the 451st Air Expeditionary Group’s 17th Operational Weather Squadron, traveled from Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, to entertain those people living here.

The band, which covers songs from Janis Joplin’s “Bobby McGee” to Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb,” and performs original songs as well, met at an open microphone night at Kandahar.

“I didn’t know (Sergeant Swigert) until we got to (Kandahar),” Sergeant Duncan said. “We started playing together at open mic night. One night, (Sergeant) King came up and timidly asked if she could sing. Then she just belted out a Gun’s ’N’ Roses song, and it was amazing.”

Boosting the morale of forward-deployed servicemembers is fulfilling, Sergeant King said.

“Since I joined the Air Force, I’ve wanted to be able to help others,” she said. “Music is such a great way to relax; it helps people escape for a brief moment. Seeing the Soldiers relax, kick back and have a good time is so worth it.”

Helping others through music is a theme throughout the group.

“I joined the Army to help other Soldiers,” Sergeant Duncan said. “I try to do that every day on the job by leading, training and giving everything I can to my Soldiers. Now, I have another way to help Soldiers. That’s what I’m here to do.”

Music and live entertainment is a time-proven method of boosting morale among troops. Having other servicemembers provide that entertainment is even more meaningful for the Soldiers in the crowd.

“These Soldiers and Airman taking time out of their schedules to fly all the way out to Lagman is amazing,” said Army Spc. John Williams, of the 35th Infantry Regiment. “They are out here because they are trying to make a difference. They use their off time to practice. It’s great to see people trying to make a difference.”

Traveling to the firebase was especially meaningful to the group, they said.

“We are all in the same boat,” Sergeant King said. “We are away from our family and friends. But, when you see how the Soldiers are living out here, without all the amenities we have at (Kandahar), it’s incredibly humbling. I want to do anything (I) can to help boost the morale of these guys.”

The band said they hope their brief visit helped give the Soldiers a break from the everyday stresses of life on a firebase.

“I hope our visit lets them know (others) care about them and the mission they do,” Sergeant Duncan said. “People love company -- especially when they bring entertainment.”