3RD HBCT gospel choir performs for Soldiers

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team 3rd Infantry Division's gospel choir pose for a group photo before a concert Sep. 25 at Combat Outpost Cleary, Iraq.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IRAQ

10.26.2007

Story by Sgt. Natalie Loucks 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division's, gospel choir performed a concert for Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, Sept. 25, at Combat Outpost Cleary.

Twenty-two Soldiers from several of the brigade's battalions traveled from FOB Hammer to COP Cleary for the one-night performance. Battalions with participating performers included 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, and the 1-15 Inf. Regt. who were already awaiting their fellow choir members at the outpost.

According to Capt. Michael Swartz, chaplain from Winston-Salem, N.C., 203rd BSB, the idea to have the gospel choir tour in the 3rd HBCT's area of operation was born after the group performed at FOB Hammer for a Labor Day concert in September.

Swartz said Col. Wayne Grigsby, from Prince George's County, Md., commander, 3rd HBCT, approached the choir after the event and awarded them each certificates of appreciation.

"After he gave us the certificates, he said he wanted us to perform at every combat outpost and patrol base in the AO," Swartz said. "I didn't think he was serious but Lt. Col. Kelly Lawler (commander, 203rd BSB) took it seriously and told us that was our next task."

The concert was coordinated by Sgt. 1st Class Darrell Lewis, from Columbus, Ga., non-commissioned officer of food supply for the 203rd BSB. He said the biggest challenge was getting all the performers together for rehearsals.

Lewis said the concert went smoothly. Along with group singing, the concert also featured an all-male singing group, solo performances, and an interpretive dance routine.

Approximately 80 Soldiers attended the concert at COP Cleary. The group performed 14 songs, nine of which were traditional and five were contemporary gospel. Both Lewis and Sgt. Antoine Williams, from Florence, S.C., an information systems specialist in the 3rd BSTB and a singer in the choir, were pleased with the outcome.

"A lot of people can't make it to services because they have meetings or they have to work but this was an 'outing' and more people were able to attend," Lewis said.

"I love contemporary gospel," Williams said. "It makes me feel good to sing and during the concert I really wanted everyone to receive the same enthusiasm that I have to sing for the Lord."

"People in the audience were standing up, singing and clapping," Swartz said. "The concert was well received."

Swartz dubbed the concert a success.

"The Soldiers really enjoyed it. One (Soldier) actually said the concert came at just the right time for him." He said, recalling another Soldier asking how he could come on board as a choir member.

Afterwards, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Moore, from Waverly Hall, Ga., 1-15 Inf. Regt., awarded the choir members with Army Achievement Medals.

The gospel choir plans to continue touring the 3rd HBCT's area of operation and Lewis said he has high hopes for upcoming concerts.

"We want to be able to boost the Soldiers' morale and spirits everywhere we go," he said. "Next concert, I'm trying to get the all-female group to perform. During the concert at COP Cleary most of the singers were on leave."

The group is planning to record a compact disc with their music. They are expected to complete it by Christmas 2007.

The 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

• Date Taken: 10.26.2007
• Date Posted: 10.26.2007 12:14
• Story ID: 13358
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ