Air Force musicians join AEF rotations

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Bryan Bouchard
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Air Force bandsmen rarely play to boisterous crowds of 2,000 people dancing, singing and stage-diving, but at one deployed location in Southwest Asia, that is what happened. The show was among several in the Middle East as part of the Air Force Band of Mid-America’s tour during its first air and space expeditionary force deployment.

“This is really exciting,” said Master Sgt. Scott Vignassi, director of operations for the band from Scott Air Force Base, Ill. “It’s an honor to deploy and support the Airmen fighting the war.”

Traveling to deployed locations is nothing new for Air Force bandsmen. During a rotation last spring, the bands started deploying rather than going on temporary duty to Southwest Asia.

Now, the bandsmen are scheduled like other Airmen to support the 10 AEFs, said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Williams, Air Force Band career field manager at the Pentagon.

When Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper was commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, he took the band with him when visiting installations in the command. General Jumper’s affection for the bands has carried over into his current post, and he directed bands to develop deployable positions to travel supporting deployed Airmen, Chief Williams said.

The first band to deploy on an AEF rotation was the U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.

During a performance at Balad Air Base, Iraq, “the band was in the middle of a show when the base came under attack,” Chief Williams said.

What is not surprising is that the band donned their protective gear. What is surprising is what they did next, he said.

“They just kept on playing, even after wearing their protective gear,” the chief said.

The Band of Liberty left their gear at a forward-deployed location, allowing for pre-positioned assets. Sergeant Vignassi explained that this eases the logistical burden of deploying instruments and gear every time they deploy.

“We are focused on agile, combat support,” Chief Williams said. “Our goal is to bring entertainment to the troops with as little burden on the deployed locations as possible.”

After the band from Hanscom, the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight from Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, deployed passing the torch to the band from Air Mobility Command headquarters at Scott AFB, Ill.

“We get to bring the message that nobody back home has forgotten that the troops are here,” Sergeant Vignassi said.

Staff Sgt. Matt Dammes has been a drummer in the Air Force Band for nearly five years. Before his first deployment, he attended the ancillary pre-deployment training other Airmen attend. He said deploying to the desert is a fulfilling experience.

“It’s great to see what other Airmen do and to come out and support their efforts,” Sergeant Dammes said.

An Airman at one forward-deployed location said she appreciates the efforts the band has made to bring a little bit of entertainment to the troops in the field.

“I think it’s great for the band to come play for us deployed Airmen,” said Staff Sgt. Amee Lamos, who was in the audience at a Band of Mid-America’s show.

Sergeant Lamos said she had not seen an Air Force band since she was a child, but she was impressed with the performance.

“The band played a lot of good music,” she said. “From the oldies to modern hits, it was great. It’s nice to get a little taste of home while we’re here.”