Photo By Cpl. Daniel Eddy | Sgt. Brendan Owen (from left), lead guitarist with the division band, 25th Infantry...... read more read more
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BAGHDAD — Air guitar, headbanging and loud rock music reverberated through the crowd at the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation center Christmas evening at Camp Liberty, Iraq as the 25th Infantry Division band entertained United States Division – Center soldiers.
The six-member band “Show of Force,” all wearing Santa Claus hats, kept the soldiers smiling and cheering while high-fiving the crowd and handing out candy as they sang and played.
“I think the interaction the band had with the crowd [was the best part],” said Lt. Col. Paul Romagnoli, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 25th Inf. Div., United States Division – Center and a Fresno, Calif., native. “Every person was there to be part [of the entertainment].”
Romagnoli said the band did an outstanding job and always draws a crowd. People come in from everywhere once they hear the music playing, and the band always puts on a great performance.
“The band has a very unique mission,” he said. “Not only do they play patriotic music, but they really do help with morale. Playing music that someone is familiar with … it really gives them a sense of being home, that little connection that they wouldn’t normally get in Iraq. It also helps to break up the day and it gives them something to look forward to.”
The music and high energy was maintained as band members kept an upbeat tempo throughout the concert all.
“[Performing at a high energy level is] all part of the show,” said Sgt. Jared Bree, band operations non-commissioned officer and keyboardist with the division rock band, and a Crescent City, Calif., native. “Even when we are standing in the back, you still need to put yourself into the music, but not over the top so that you are drawing attention away from the singer but still getting into and increasing the level of enjoyment for the crowd.”
Bree said it’s nice to have people clap and smile, which makes him feel good about his job, and that he is doing good things for the Army.
Bree said even though he cannot be home for Christmas, performing for the troops helps replace the time away from loved ones.
“It helps to make up for [not being home for Christmas],” he said. “Coming here and doing my job … helps me have a great Christmas. I look forward to a year over here, doing a good job.”
| Date Taken: | 01.06.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.06.2011 04:22 |
| Story ID: | 63086 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 106 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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