Deployed airmen send love with music

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Alyson Teeter
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) --  Leaving loved ones behind is one of the most difficult aspects of deployment, but now deployed airmen can send their love back home in a unique way.

For several years, the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band here has produced compact discs for troops and their families. Now the band has expanded a program that allows deployed airmen to mail a CD home as a gift for younger family members.

One of their most popular CDs, called “Musical Storybook,” is designed specifically for children and contains an illustrated storybook and songs. The CD includes music accompanying classic children’s stories like Cinderella and Mother Goose, along with more modern stories like “Solomon, The Rusty Nail” by William Steig.

Deployed parents can send this CD to their children at no cost.

“Demand for the ‘Musical Storybook’ CD has far exceeded our initial expectations, and we’re thrilled,” said Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Hedrick, band manager.

Before they deploy, airmen can fill out a card with their child’s name, address and the date they are scheduled to deploy, he said. Once the parent is deployed, the band mails the child the “Musical Storybook” CD.

“We worked with (the) ACC family matters (section) to have the cards distributed during deployment briefings,” Hedrick said.

While most airmen are able to complete the order form for the CD before leaving their home base, currently deployed airmen may request a copy for their children through deployed Air Force chaplains, he said.

“I know from personal experience how helpful it is for chaplains to have something to hand out as they travel throughout a base or visit specific units,” said Chaplain (Col.) Cecil Richardson, the ACC chaplain.

Supporting airmen is a priority for the band, especially during times of conflict, Hedrick said. Through the “Musical Storybook” project, the band also is able to help families.

“(Airmen) are elated that we offer this program, and many comment on how the Air Force has changed for the better on programs and services that are offered to them when deployed,” he said. “It's especially nice to distribute something that will benefit a deployed person's family.”

“The goal of this project is simple -- bring a little joy to our people and gladden the hearts of their children,” Richardson said.

The band is finishing a similar recording for loved ones of deployed airmen, scheduled for release later this year.

“Besides a compilation of love songs, old and new, the product will also include a place for a personal note from the deployed member,” Hedrick said. Distribution of the love songs CD will be done in a similar manner to “Musical Storybook.”

For deploying airmen, the band also distributes a free rock CD to the troops called “Carry On.”

“‘Carry On’ boosts morale for the deployed troops because it gives them something to remind them of home -- American rock and roll,” said Maj. Larry Lang, band commander.

The band has an extensive music library, including ceremonial music, which is available for download by the public at http://www.af.mil/accband/. (Courtesy of ACC News Service)