Photo By Spc. Elsi Delgado | U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Ivy, Task Force Grizzly and Task Force...... read more read more
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For the final performance of their one-week Armed Forces Entertainment-sponsored tour, the indie pop band from New York, AJR, performed for hundreds of Soldiers at Forward Operating Site Powidz, Poland, Sept. 4, 2023.The U.S. service members at Powidz are deployed to provide sustainment support to forward-stationed U.S. and allied forces’ training and operations to bolster NATO’s eastern flank, as part of the mission to assure allies, increase military interoperability, and deter adversaries in Europe.
“This experience has been very special and unique,” said Jack Met, one of three brothers that compose the band. “This has been a first for us; it’s been really fun, informative and it has been a good time.”
The band displayed their musical talent to show their appreciation for U.S. military members deployed far away from their homes. The week-long AFE tour was a first for the group in its 18 years.
“We see the appreciation from the Soldiers,” said Ryan Met, another member of the band. “Being able to make them smile and decompress for an hour is a really special and exciting feeling.”
The band held an hour-long concert where the group performed their latest hits, including “Burn The House Down” and “World’s Smallest Violin.” As the concert went on, the Soldiers and band appeared to feed off of each others’ energy and the atmosphere of excitement grew. Soldiers flooded around the stage, dancing and singing along to the performance. With bright strobe lights and high-tech graphic backgrounds, the band appeared dedicated to ensuring the service members had a good time. As the concert drew to close, the band invited one Soldier on stage to sing along.
“Being on stage with the band was mind blowing,” said Spc. Donaess Wade, the combat medic assigned to Louisiana National Guard’s 756th Medical Company Area Support, 415th Military Intelligence Battalion, 139th Regional Support Group, pulled onstage. “I’ve been a fan of them for a while now, so it was amazing to be able to rock out with them to one of my favorite songs.”
After the show ended, the band held a meet and greet with the Soldiers, where they could get a picture and a signed autograph from the group. With service members maintaining a busy schedule and supporting numerous training exercises alongside allied and partner nations, maintaining readiness and morale continues to be a priority for the deployed personnel.
“Ending a busy and stressful work day with AJR performing was awesome,” said Command Sgt Maj. Hector Rodriguez, the senior support operations noncommissioned officer for 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. “Being in the Army for over 20 years, I am always grateful when artists come and visit, giving us a piece of home.”
| Date Taken: | 09.05.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 09.05.2023 09:10 |
| Story ID: | 452733 |
| Location: | POWIDZ, PL |
| Web Views: | 132 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Music Group AJR Performs for Soldiers at Powidz, by SPC Elsi Delgado, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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