Warrior Soldiers rock out in Iraq

Photo By Staff Sgt. Lyndsey Prax | Rock band "Dead Reckoning," made up of Soldiers from 556th Signal Company and 312th Psychological Operations Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, conduct band practice at an abandoned warehouse referred to as "The Barn" on Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, July 2.  

TAJI, IRAQ

08.03.2008

Story by Pfc. Lyndsey Prax 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The sound of rock music hangs in the dry, dusty air at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad.

It is an ambiance that many enjoy as they pass an abandoned warehouse where six Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, practice their music.

"The Barn" as it is affectionately referred to by the Soldiers of the band Dead Reckoning is a spot of inspiration the bands members:

Staff Sgt. Michael Billingsley, the band's drummer, is a native of Winfield, Ala., and serves as a Joint Network Node operator; Sgt. Corey Burk, a guitarist, is a native of Fitzgerald, Ga., and also serves as a JNN operator; Sgt. First Class Tim Casper, a bassist, is a native of Warba, Minn., and serves as a communication security custodian; Staff Sgt. Shawn Magone, a guitarist, is a native of Missoula, Mont., and serves as a signal frequency manager; and for Spc. Joseph Ray, the lead guitarist, is a native of Rock Hill, S.C., and serves as a JNN operator. These Soldiers are all assigned to the 556th Signal Company, 2nd SBCT.

Rounding out the band is Cpl. Greg Robinson, the lead vocalist, who is a native of Atlanta and serves with the 312th Psychological Operations Company.

Each member of the band has his own personal reasons for playing, but they all said they share one motive in common: to relieve the stress of everyday work – not only for themselves but for all Soldiers who enjoy music.

"I know what people are going through out here," said Burke. "We're all out here doing the same thing. If we can make it go by a little faster, that would nice for everyone."

The band plays an assortment of music that anyone can relate to, from heavy metal, classic rock to their own original songs, which were inspired by their experiences during deployment.

"One of the things we should be doing here is trying to better ourselves," said Command Sgt. Maj. Karl Morgan, native of Huber Heights, Ohio, the senior enlisted leader for 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. "I think that what they are doing here is good for them and overall good for this deployment."

Even though the Soldiers work long days, you can often find them at "The Barn" practicing – not merely to improve their talent but because playing music is something they enjoy.

"People love music, even if it's just listening to their MP3 players while working out," said Ray. "We actually get the chance to create music for people, and we have fun doing something different."

The Soldiers of Dead Reckoning have had a unique opportunity to provide support to many of the Soldiers here in Iraq and fortunately have received a great deal of support in exchange.

"I really enjoy watching my Soldiers have a good time," said 1st Lt. Justin Corbett, native of Dallas, Penn., the executive officer of 556th Signal Company, 2nd SBCT. "It gives them a chance to express themselves in a different way instead of being at work doing the same routine day in and day out. I am glad that they have found something to do on their own and enjoy themselves while they're over here."

• Date Taken: 08.03.2008
• Date Posted: 08.03.2008 11:45
• Story ID: 22073
• Location: TAJI, IQ