FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. - Soldiers of the 191st Army Band practiced their military skills and musical talents during their annual training on Fort Hunter Liggett, California, July 28, 2015.
“We’re getting a feel for what it would be like and what our mission would be in an overseas environment,” said Sgt. Matthew Hirsch, a musician with the 191st Army Band and a Ceres, California, native. “Being in tents, in an austere environment, this gives us more confidence.”
The Camp Parks, California-based unit participated in a Warrior Training Exercise, part of the larger Operation Caucasus Restore 2015 that involves more than 4,500 service members from 72 units across the U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Army, Army National Guard and U.S. Navy.
“This is the first time we’ve come out to an austere environment,” said 1st Sgt. Keith Barlow, first sergeant of the 191st Army Band. “We’ve trained and performed several missions, such as perimeter control and security.”
In addition to their Soldier tasks, the 191st Army Band practiced their primary talent - musical performances.
“We’re here playing for our fellow Soldiers,” said Hirsch. “I’ve seen the joy it brings to [Soldiers], they get a kick out of us and enjoy us.”
“We’re an Army Reserve musical outfit organization and we provide musical entertainment and ceremonial support to Army Reserve, active Army, and other branches as necessary,” said Barlow. “We also do community relations, concerts, and parades.”
Soldiers of the 191st Army Band made a continuous effort to provide this musical entertainment to Soldiers participating in the WAREX. They conducted musical performances in dining facilities, mobile kitchen trailers and outdoor field environments.
“It’s amazing, really, what music does,” said Barlow. “We bring the music to them, we bring a humanity, a piece of home and bring something that bonds them together.”
Date Taken: | 07.28.2015 |
Date Posted: | 07.29.2015 15:42 |
Story ID: | 171461 |
Location: | FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CALIFORNIA, US |
Hometown: | CAMP PARKS, CALIFORNIA, US |
Hometown: | CERES, CALIFORNIA, US |
Web Views: | 438 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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