Bard on the battlefield BSB Soldier hones musical talent in Iraq

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Jeff Rhey Bell, a water purification specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Support Battalion, plays his guitar while on a break on Sept. 27 at Camp Ramadi, Iraq.  

RAMADI, IRAQ

09.28.2007

Story by Spc. Ricardo Branch 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

by Spc. Ricardo Branch
1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq— A bard is a poet who recites tales while playing a harp or musical instrument for the people. These musicians go out to inspire and entertain the masses and the Army is no different.

One of these musicians is a young Soldier who works as a water purification specialist with the 1st Brigade Combat Team.

He plays Johnny Cash songs, can ad lib music and has a passion for the folk music of yesterday. His name is Spc. Jeff Rhey Bell and with his trusty guitar, he's known as the bard of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Support Battalion.

Bell, 21, of Whiskey Peak, Ark., has been the bard for his unit now a little over a year. His guitar playing helps lighten moods, calm emotions and provides solace for anyone needing a good tune to help them through the rough times in Ramadi.

The tale for this musician doesn't begin in the Army however, but on the street corners of coastal cities in Florida. Playing on the streets was his hobby, but it eventually led to him being hired to play at local establishments.

"I started out in Florida while I was at Fort Walton Beach during 2005," Bell said. "I started playing outside the bars, and eventually I was getting paid to play in the bars."

He said playing on the streets of Florida was a fun and challenging job, but people desiring to follow that path should be prepared to be hurt from critics.

"There were people who would walk by and throw cigarette butts in your guitar case," he said. "Sometimes, I would be playing somewhere and then get pelted by beer bottles from people."

Unknown at the time, Bell eventually became a regular sight along the beaches and street corners, which led to his first paying gig at a local bar called Louie's.

"Me and my friends would sit outside on the back deck drinking beer so I started bringing my guitar to play there," he said. "I was getting decent money from it, and it was a good atmosphere to work in."

The atmosphere of Louie's helped spark many guitar riffs and was a constant source of inspiration for the young musician.

"I'd sing about whatever was on my mind," Bell said. "Mostly booze and women, but someone could say something funny, and I'd make a song out of it."

Although constantly playing his guitar, even when people are sleeping can drive people nuts, most Soldiers don't mind.

"He's talented," said Staff Sgt. Chester Bailey, with HHC, 3rd BSB. "He made a CD when he was playing on the streets, so I asked him to make me one. When Bell gets famous, I'll be able to say I knew that guy when he was my Soldier and played guitar back in Iraq."

Although he's been in the Army a little over three years now, Bell reflects fondly of the days he'd stand on the street corners and play for anyone walking the streets.

"I miss it," he said. "You meet a lot of really interesting people out there. I've met many good friends out there and can't wait to be performing on the streets again."

For Bell, the joy of music is a gift, which he has just one reply for those wondering why he plays so frequently.

"Music calms people down, and is a nice way to pass the time over here," he said.

• Date Taken: 09.28.2007
• Date Posted: 09.28.2007 08:11
• Story ID: 12592
• Location: RAMADI, IQ