Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo | Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Samantha Haffner and Army Maj. Arnold Strong dance to Max...... read more read more
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By Staff Sgt. Carlos Diaz
U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs
Camp Alamo, Afghanistan — Approximately 200 U.S. service members and coalition forces were treated to the sounds of Max Impact – the U.S. Air Force band from Bolling Air Force Base, D.C.
The traveling music ensemble has been making its rounds in the deployed area of responsibility and forward operating bases.
The Camp Alamo courtyard was the site for a festive evening dubbed "Spring Break at The Alamo."
The event featured cuisine prepared and served by coalition forces. Several patriotically decorated tables were lined up displaying a variety of specialty dishes, beverages and desserts. Toward the back, eight national flags waved and danced with the evening's windy weather.
The courtyard was an open area with barbecue pits and small rocks that covered the ground. It was full of people laughing, eating and enjoying a well-deserved break.
"I enjoy doing things that bring a healthy diversion to the people of Camp Alamo," said Navy Lt. Christine Heron, officer-in-charge of Moral, Welfare and Recreation. "It helps bring a sense of normalcy in a combat area."
As soon as the rock-lined bonfire was lit, the atmosphere warmed up and the band hit the makeshift wooden stage.
The band quickly got the crowd on its feet by starting the evening with an array of popular songs. The fans sang along to crowd-favorite tunes in expression of their gratitude.
"We value morale, and this is just a great way to boost it," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Roland Robinson, a drill sergeant for the 95th Division, Detachment 13, who is responsible for mentoring the Afghan National Army's basic training instructors.
The towering drill sergeant said in reference to his job, he's seen vast improvement in the ANA soldiers that are graduating from basic training.
At the far corner of the courtyard, a U.S. Marine sipped from his cold drink. He showed up limping, but his minor injury didn't stop him from enjoying the show.
"Something like this really cheers me up," said Cpl. Charles Gardner, Regional Security Advisory Command Central. "It reminds me of being home."
The band dedicated several songs to the U.S. and coalition service members.
"The quality of the band is fantastic," said British army Maj. Ivor Lopez, ANA officer candidate school instructor. "Their performance means so much to the people here."
Master Sgt. Regina Coonrod, female vocalist, used her incredible singing talents to bring joy to many deployed service members.
"I get a feeling like no other when I perform," the two-year band member said. "This band is designed for morale."
Coonrod validates the pride she gets when she performs.
"This isn't just pride in the Air Force or military that I feel, this is pride in my country," she said. "I always ask myself if I'm doing enough, and when I see the audience's response, it's complete validation for me."
As the concert wound down, the entertained crowd approached the band and thanked them personally.
"It was nice and special to see everyone coming together and enjoying the camaraderie," said Senior Airman Christina Bueno, a medic assigned to the troop medic clinic at Camp Alamo.
By the evening's end, the crowd had formed a bond and the camaraderie was ever-present.
| Date Taken: | 04.03.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2007 13:36 |
| Story ID: | 9753 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 149 |
| Downloads: | 127 |
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