Courtesy Photo | The Central Command Air Forces band perform at the village of Chebellier, Djibouti,...... read more read more
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By Tech. Sgt. Joel Langton
U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs
DJIBOUTI -- The U.S. Central Command Air Forces rock band "Live Round" is falling in love with the country of Djibouti during their five-day tour of the African nation.
"The people here are awesome," said Master Sgt. Jeremy Laukhuf, bass player. "What makes it so enjoyable to play for them is the appreciation they have for the music. Everyone wants to be part of the performance."
The band's other eight members are echoing the same theme.
The band is a blend of members from the Air Force Academy band at Colorado Springs, Colo., and the band of Mid-America at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
Three days into the five-day Djibouti tour, the band has played for nearly 2,000 people at a remote African village, two inner-city community development centers and the national police academy. They have four more shows on tap for the tour, including a performance on Djibouti's national radio station.
Although many band members have shared how the tour has touched their lives, a community leader said the hour-long concert he viewed had a profound impact on his perspective of the American military.
"Djiboutians were very scared of the military," said Mr. Ali Robleh, local community center director. "We thought of them as just wanting to shoot people, but we see that is not the case. Once we came to know each other, we see it is good."
Senior Master Sgt. James Bristow, band concert director, said the people's positive response to the band's presence there was due to the power of music.
"The same way medical care, sports, water and infrastructure improvements, the band helps build trust through the emotional impact of music," said Sgt. Bristow.
| Date Taken: | 01.24.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 01.24.2008 13:40 |
| Story ID: | 15748 |
| Location: | DJIBOUTI, DJ |
| Web Views: | 286 |
| Downloads: | 281 |
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