Airmen express their passion with off-duty tunes

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Adarius Petty
  • 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) --  Music is a powerful communication tool that allows people to laugh, cry, think and question the things around them. In order for music to invoke such a meaningful response, it takes talent, dedication and time from the artist.

Five Airmen assigned to various career fields across the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing came together with one goal in mind -- to influence those around them through music. The Airmen formed a band consisting of two guitarists, a drummer, a saxophonist and a vocalist.

Although they have been playing together for roughly a year, the name for the group is still undecided. The band credits its creation to Tech. Sgt. James, the 78th Attack Squadron intelligence formalized training unit NCO in charge, for bringing everyone together.

“I heard someone say Senior Airman Dylan played the drums, then I saw Senior Airmen Kalai on Facebook, shredding on the guitar,” James said. “I asked if they wanted to get together sometime and jam. The first time we got together we played three to five songs we all knew.”

Bringing a collection of unique talents together to express themselves musically was not the only reason James formed the band. The band member’s passion to make one melody with others was overwhelming.

“Everybody here loves music,” James said. “We all share the same passion for music. It is such a creative outlet for us, just another way to express yourself and let some steam off.”

Letting off steam enables the band to play music from a range of top hits, rock and alternative songs. It has even had positive effect on their military lives and improved their resiliency.

“I love how talented everyone is,” said Airman 1st Class Erisa, a 15th ATKS sensor operator. “It’s something special to share your passion with people who are just as equally talented as you are, everyone is in the military and we understand each other when it comes to daily stressors and schedule stuff.”

The group often performs at military ceremonies and events. While the musicians try to schedule practice times that everyone can attend, shift work has occasionally made this difficult so the band developed an innovative solution.

“All members of the group practice on their own so when we get the opportunity to practice collectively the chemistry isn’t lost,” James said.

The group doesn’t have future plans for landing record deals. For now, it’s just about having fun.

“I just love to play music, its liberating,” James said. “Most people played an instrument growing up. Many lost touch with their talent due to military operations tempo. However, it was never forgotten. Being able to practice and play again for the Airmen of Creech gives a feeling of satisfaction like no other.”

(Editor's note: Last names were removed due to safety and security reasons.)