War On Terror News

***UPDATE*** Sgt Elton Adams (still) needs YOUR vote!

***UPDATE***

With your help, Sgt Elton Adams made the National Finals...Today, voting daily is off and running again to keep Elton in the contest to be named Canada's Best New Artist.  Read on:

HERE WE GO EVERYONE, the National finals have begun with only 24 bands/artists remaining. In this first round we will be fighting to make it into the top 16 and only have 1 week to do it, so we really need to get desperate for votes. Please continue to utilize all of your electronic devices and vote every day. Here is the link to vote---

http://music.cbc.ca/#/Searchlight-Up-To-Speed

Because this is a long list, you'll need to scroll waaaaaaaay down this time, but please continue to vote daily for one of our own.  Thank you...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canadian soldier, Elton Adams has been performing for his fellow soldiers since he joined the military at the age of 17. While serving his country in Afghanistan in 2008, Sgt Adams performed his song, What A Soldier Left Behind, with Canada’s beloved rock band Blue Rodeo. (One of this writer's favourite songs.  Take a listen at the link.) He released his first rock album in March 2009 (most of the songs on the album were written in Afghanistan) upon returning to Canada. In addition to having his songs chart on various internet radio stations, Sgt Adams has received numerous awards for his music contributions to the Canadian Forces including 5 coins of excellence from 5 different generals and the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal. The Canadian Forces also released Sgt Adams’ new song, “Lock and Load”, which commemorates the amazing efforts of Canadian soldiers while deployed to Afghanistan. Further, after returning from his third tour of duty (second tour to Afghanistan), Elton released two songs, “My Canadian Girls” and “Gunslinger”(2012).

Now Sgt Adams is entered into a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation national contest to name Canada's Best New Artist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kellie Pickler tours Afghanistan

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr., AFPS, BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Dec. 17, 2012 - Country music star Kellie Pickler is among the celebrity entertainers taking part in Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey's annual USO holiday show tour, which entertained Afghanistan-deployed U.S. troops posted here and at Kandahar Airfield.

On this trip, the USO troupe also has entertained service members aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis and at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan.

Kellie Pickler, a country singer addresses the audience before she begins her USO holiday tour show performance at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2012. DOD photo

Pickler, an Albemarle, N.C., native, is traveling on her sixth USO tour and she's keenly aware of the difficulties troops and their families endure during the holiday season.

"It's always different coming here this time of the year," she said. "[During] the holidays -- Thanksgiving has already passed -- everyone wants to be home with their families and loved ones.

"Then, Christmas is right around the corner," Pickler continued. "It's a hard time for all of you."

The country music singer said she enjoys touring with the USO and has done so for quite some time.

"I love it," Pickler said. "My very first trip was in [2007] ... and it's by far the most life-changing thing I've ever been a part of."

Pickler performed with her husband, Kyle Jacobs, and with David Michael Baker, who provided the musical backdrop for her vocal performances.

"We look forward to doing shows, but I think that the small intimate moments -- just having breakfast together, lunch together, dinner together ... [are] where we can just sit, talk and listen to one another," Pickler said.

The singer, who said she comes from a military family, "gets" how hard it is for troops being away from their loved ones.

"I know it's just as hard for your families back home, so they're making a sacrifice as well," Pickler said.

Pickler said she always looks forward to USO trips.

"I always take a little something from each place when we go to each base," she said. "I always have a little special memory that I cherish and I never forget about it."

She said the USO tour's visit to a hospital was one example of those special moments.

"We were able to go to the hospital and try to take a little piece of home in there," she said. "[And] that's our goal coming out here. We just want to bring a little piece of home to you all."

Pickler was accompanied on the tour by Washington Nationals Major League Baseball players Ross Detwiler and Craig Stammen; Matt Hendricks from the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals; comedian Iliza Schlesinger, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing.

Sloan D. Gibson, president of the USO, and Shane Hudella, of "Defending the Blue Line," an organization that donates hockey equipment to military families, also joined the celebrities.

Pickler praised U.S. troops and their families for their sacrifices, and wished them all happy holidays as she joined Dempsey in serenading the troops with Bing Crosby's "A White Christmas."

"I just want to say thanks so much for all that you do," she said. "Thank you to your families -- we know that they make a huge sacrifice."

"This time of the year is really hard so I hope that you know that we love you," Picker said. "The USO, all of us, we are praying for a safe return home for you all. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

Related articles

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FEST-M Soldier sees stars during USO event

A tale of two videographers: Gang ham style for the POTUS

In 2012, two videos achieved notoriety.  One demonstrated the atrocities of Islamists in Egypt against Christians and spotlighted the precedents of the "prophet's" behavior in child molestation, and murder of civilians, war crimes, tyranny, and terrorism, as written in their holy book.  The other was of an Asian in a dance he "created" which mimics the actions of a cowboy riding a horse.

One of the artistic creators was invited to perform for President Obama.  The other was jailed by agents of the President.

But these men have a history.  One is a refugee of Islamist abuses in Egypt while the other called for the torture of those following the orders of a previous President, following the orders of the American People.  These are the 2004 words of one of the artists:

“Kill those f–ing Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives.”
“Kill those f–ing Yankees who ordered them to torture.”
“Kill their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law and fathers”
“Kill them all slowly and painfully.” Psy

One was accused of hate crimes and of inspiring violence around the world.  The other was given photo-ops with the Royal, er, First Family.  One has lived under threat to life and family and the other espoused that the families and children of others be tortured.  One has been threatened with death and the other has called for the death of innocents.  Both have American citizenship.  Both have attained the attention of the Emperor, er President.

You know what, I don't give a dayum about an apology 8 years after the fact from the rapper.  He has a 'right' to say what he does and I have a right to invite him to move to North Korea where his anti-American antics will get him celebrity status in a kingdom where subjects must express gratitude for every grain of rice they receive, from their Communist god-king.

But since the POTUS is so good and experienced with apologies, I do call on him to apologize for his actions, for his rewarding of and embracing a man who called for the rape, torture, and murder of Americans, and their children.  He can't claim ignorance.  It was well known who and what it was before he met with him.  And he can't claim lack of authority.  He has used the power of the office to uninvite others to functions he has attended, as well as having the symbols of Christianity covered in his presence.

It would be nice for him to apologize for his own misdeeds for a change, instead of for the successes of America, and for the hard road American Troops have taken to free the people of foreign lands of tyrants.

His apology doesn't mean I'll forget his actions, nor that I'll forgive him for embracing the one that called for torture and jailing the one that complained of oppression, but it is the right thing, for him to do.

I'm not alone in my disgust with the actions of the POTUS in this.  Fellow Veterans reported the story first, over at This Ain't Hell.

Related articles

Inside Look at Muslim Brotherhood's Torture Chambers

White House to Welcome Rapper Who Wants U.S. Troops Tortured to the White House

Obama Attends Event Featuring Anti-American Rapper PSY

Obama Meets, Shakes Hands and Shares Laugh with "Kill Those F**king Yankees" Rapper Psy

Video: It's Stolen and I Know It

Making light of a serious situation by the guys that earned the right to do so: Ranger Up!

H/T to This Ain't Hell, for posting some humor about the topic they take most seriously.  Frankly, I needed some humor.

Stolen Valor is a widespread problem, as evidenced by the need to weed down the competitors in this year's competion over at This Ain't Hell.  Ranger Up was able to deck out the star of their video to the point that even Jonn didn't think it possible anyone could be so stupid, but still the number of stupid fakers out there that could be that stupid made it possible, when the photo first surfaced.

By the way, Ranger Up has some of the best T-Shirt designs on the planet!

Bravo Zulu Ranger Up & This Ain't Hell. 

Locked & Loaded

"Locked and Loaded" is a rock song written and performed Max Impact, the premier rock band of the United States Air Force.

Hat tip to Steve Snakecharmer Burns at "Veterans Information" on Facebook for posting this video there!

Video: Madison Rising: Right to Bear

New Release, using the 1st Amendment to defend the 2nd, by a rising rock band of Patriotic Loyalty, and proven dedication:

Video: Trace Adkins Performs for Wounded Warriors

Trace Adkins & Country Music say Thanks to the Troops

Video: Enter Sandman

With a special tribute to A/179th Infantry:

 

Video: A Marine's Christmas Song

We still have Troops in Combat this Christmas:

Keni Thomas - From Shreveport to LA

Rising Star, Combat Veteran, with the right attitude on leadership:

 

#OWS Protest West Coast Ports

Hundreds of anti-Wall Street protestors blocked gates at some of the West Coast's busiest ports in the U.S. and Canada, as part of a nearly three-month-old movement.

Monday's protests caused a partial shut down of operations at some of the terminals in Oakland, California, and Portland, Oregon.

In Portland, hundreds of protesters blocked entrances at two terminals preventing trucks from entering. Employees of the terminals were told to stay home from work. In Oakland, unions representing dock workers and longshoremen sent workers home after hundreds of protesters blocked an entrance to the port.

[These are the REAL scenes of what the "Occupiers" are doing. Crimes in nearly all civilized societies.]

Madison Rising: A Patriotic Rock Band

Who says Rock-n-Roll can't be patriotic?  Not Madison Rising:

And by the way, Zucotti Park, and Occupy Wall Street have no use for them.  The Veteran Lead Singer and his musicians were denied a permit to perform at Zucotti Park.  Visit the Madison Rising band site. Like them on FaceBook.  Follow them on Twitter.

Video: Keni Thomas - Gunslinger

From 2009, Keni Thomas is on his way up the charts:

Army Ranger, 1993, Mogadishu, Somalia

Video: Keni Thomas - In God's Hands Now

Still looking forward, Keni knows when to push forward, and when to let go:

Veteran, Battle of Mogadishu, 1993, Recipient: Bronze Star for Valor

Video: Keni Thomas - Not Me

This song tells the story of leadership, the story of Our Troops:

 Rising Country Music Star & US Army Ranger, Veteran, The Battle of Mogadishu, who didn't say "Not Me."

Keni Thomas - Get It On

What It Means to Lead The Way

I haven't read this book yet, but I'm ordering a copy.  Keni Thomas is a recipient of the Bronze Star for Valor, for his actions in Mogadishu, Somalia, 1993.  He was part of Task Force Ranger, when they became known for "Black Hawk Down."

Now, he is a rising star in Country Music, who visits the Troops in combat.  And this book is getting rave reviews 8 rated it at 4 stars (the lowest anyone rated it) and 57 five star ratings. 

His message: YOUR role in life is important and you should lead.  You should do your best to do the best, whatever part of the pie you have.

Be sure to watch the video trailer there, if nothing else.

Tim McGraw brings Tour for the Troops to Pendleton

Story by Lance Cpl. Michelle Mattei 11.15.2011

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- More than 27,000 attendees gathered at Camp Pendleton’s Paige Fieldhouse to attend Time McGraw’s Tour for the Troops free concert, Nov. 13.

The event was sponsored by Air Force Reserve, TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Marine Corps Community Services to benefit The Tug McGraw Foundation.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle Mattei More than 27,000 gather for a free Tour for the Troops concert at Camp Pendleton's Paige Fieldhouse, Nov. 13.

"I am proud to perform for the troops and to celebrate our heroes, bringing attention to the need to improve quality of life among men and women who serve our country," said Tim McGraw honorary chairman of the Tug McGraw Foundation.

The goal of the foundation is to educate members of the military and civilians about the increasing number of service members affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Tug McGraw, father of Tim McGraw and legendary baseball pitcher, died from a brain tumor in 2003, which inspired the creation of their charity.

Rangers of Mogadishu Rain Into Afghanistan Country Music

  by Staff Sgt. Joe Armas 1st Cav

CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan – The Ranger Tour, comprised of four former Army Rangers, touched down in northern Afghanistan to visit soldiers of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Oct. 4-5.

The tour was the first of American 300’s Warrior Tours that highlights profiles in extreme courage.

Whether it was enduring a 500-foot combat jump onto the small island of Grenada, patrolling the jungles of Vietnam or navigating the streets of battle-ravaged Mogadishu, Danny McKnight, Keni Thomas, Max Mullen and Charlie Manis have experiences that few others can account for.

Pictured: Keni Thomas, a country music artist who is a former Army Ranger who was part of the battle of Mogadishu in Somalia in 1993, plays his single, "Another Mexico Song."

This was a chance for the Rangers to visit Afghanistan and see firsthand what soldiers of this current generation are experiencing.

Free Concert to benefit "Tee It Up For The Troops"

A big thanks to Patrick Nelson over at Real Combat Life for asking if I had heard of or listened to Rockie Lynne performing "Heroes Come From Small Towns" (see video below the break). 

So who is this Rockie Lynne?  I am sure you all have heard of him, but I hadn't....yes I know, shame on me!  Rockie is a veteran himself, having served with the 82nd Airborne for 3 years.

It turns out that Rockie Lynne will be performing at a free concert 

Hollywood Will Have to Wait for Sgt Sean Castaneda

Marine puts Hollywood music career on hold to serve in Afghanistan
by Cpl. Katherine Keleher RC-SW

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Whether Sgt. Sean Castaneda is recording an album in Hollywood, Calif., or providing imagery intelligence to troops on the ground in the desert of southern Afghanistan, serving his country while pursuing his music dreams are just another day.

Castaneda, 23, originally from Cheyenne, Wyo., enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 2006 as an imagery analyst with 4th Marine Logistics Group. He is currently deployed with 2nd Intelligence Battalion, Regional Command Southwest. As an imagery analyst, Castaneda’s job is to provide eyes in areas troops on the ground may not be able to see, allowing them to know what to expect in areas not visible. This gives coalition forces in the fight the advantage of being able to see the unknown, lowering their chances of taking casualties.

Pictured: Sgt. Sean P. Castaneda and his band, “550,” perform Lynyrd Skynyrd’s, “Simple Man” during Fourth of July festivities at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province. Castaneda, originally from Cheyenne, Wyo., is an imagery analyst in the Marine Corps Reserve, who is pursuing a musical career in Hollywood, Calif

Happy 4th of July America!

How fitting is this song?  Today, July 4th 2011 marks 235 years of freedom for America!  A freedom that our forefathers fought so hard for.  A freedom that our currently serving fight to maintain, keeping the fight from our shores.

Zac Charles - Nothing's Always Something

A song I wrote in Afghanistan.

Lady Gaga’s New Album Banned in Lebanon

6 June 2011 VOA News Lebanon has impounded shipments of pop singer Lady Gaga's new album Born This Way on grounds that it is offensive to Christianity.

Officials cite what they call the album's “bad taste” as a reason for the ban. Lady Gaga is known for her provocative lyrics, and she draws on religious and sexual themes in her new album.

The country had already banned a song on the album entitled “Judas” earlier this year. The song is named for the disciple in Christianity who betrayed Jesus, whom Christians believe is the Son of God.

Lebanese law leans on the side of banning inflammatory things in an effort to keep the country's fragile mix of several religious sects happy.

The album's title track has already caused an uproar in Malaysia for “promoting sexuality.” It was allowed to play on the radio only after a line in the song referring to different sexual orientations was removed.

"Lock and Load with Canada's Heroes"

Written and performed by MCpl. Elton Adams

From: CanadianArmyNews  |

MCpl Elton Adams urges Canadians to "Lock and Load with Canada's Heroes." To download a copy, visit our website at: http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/multimedia/index-...

MCpl Elton Adams site' here.  MCpl Elton Adams is a combat veteran, and a huge chunk of the proceeds of the sale of his album are being donated to warrior charities.

Some Gave All

Remembering!  Never forgetting the sacrifices made for us, for those who stood to their left and their right, by our military.

This seems very fitting to me for Memorial Day.

Thank you for your service!

    MsMarti

Country music artist once again adds Union III to his extensive travel log

Country music artist once again adds Union III to his extensive travel log

05.18.2011 Story by Spc. Breeanna DuBuke BAGHDAD – In 2005, country music singer and song-writer Michael Peterson was asked to tour Iraq on a United Service Organizations tour with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as part of his Annual Holiday Tour.

When the tour was done, Peterson expressed interest to USO officials in continuing to support deployed troops.

Country music singer and song-writer Michael Peterson writes a special thanks you to the Forward Operating Base Union III’s International Zone Support Element team for their hard work, serving other deployed service members after a concert in the MWR facility here May 15.  Photo by Spc. Breeanna DuBuke

“It kept ringing in my mind that there must be places that don’t get to always see the ‘big show,’” Peterson said.

Since then, Peterson has toured Afghanistan twice and Iraq six times with the USO, prior to this Morale, Welfare and Recreation tour.

Toby Keith Sings for Troops in Baghdad

Country music’s ‘Big Dog’ lights up the IZ
by Wayne Hall USF-I

BAGHDAD – Country music star Toby Keith lit up the International Zone here during a brief stop on his United Service Organizations-sponsored “Locked And Loaded” tour.

This tour marks Keith’s ninth tour on behalf of the USO, and includes visits to the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Enterprise in the Persian Gulf; Bahrain; and Baghdad.

Pictured: Photo by Spc. Breeanna DuBuke Country music artist Toby Keith rocks out with members of “MEC” (“Minimum Essential Chords”) – a band that’s made a name for itself here by turning their love for music into a way to relieve deployment stress – as they perform “Takin’ care of Business,” as U.S. Air Force Capt. Carlos Jayme plays the keyboard. Keith spent a few hours with the deputy commanding general for advising and training staff here during his United Service Organizations-sponsored “Locked And Loaded” tour.

 

Big 'E' Hosts Country Music Star Toby Keith

Country music superstar Toby Keith visited thousands of Sailors and Marines aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), April 23.

Two-time Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, Toby Keith, performs for Sailors aboard USS Austin (LPH 4) who were in Guantanamo Bay for a port visit. Keith began his multi-country USO tour in Cuba before continuing on to shows in Germany, Belgium, and the Persian Gulf. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Brandan W. Schulze (RELEASED)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Croft, USS Enterprise Public Affairs USS ENTERPRISE, At sea (NNS)

Keith has long been associated with his public support of the U.S. military and has participated in many USO tours and performances for deployed troops.

The trip to Enterprise is Keith's first time touring a deployed U.S. Navy ship.

Before performing for the crew in the ship's hangar bay, Keith and his band members had a chance to tour the ship, to meet the crew and see exactly what it is they do on board the "city-at-sea" called USS Enterprise.

"Spending time with our troops around the world is something I've always regarded as a privilege and honor," said Keith. "I won't forget for a second who's really doing the heavy lifting to keep this country safe. And that's why I'll keep going back and spending time with those good folks every chance I get."

Show of Force Rocks FOB Hammer

25th Infantry Division Band Rocks FOB Hammer

Written by Sgt Isolda McClelland 29th MPAD,USD-C Monday, April 18, 2011 BAGHDAD – At Forward Operating Base Hammer, home of the Besmaya Combat Training Center, the usual sounds of the day are the booms emitted from the various training ranges. Recently, the booms didn’t come from the ranges, but rather the small stage area on the FOB. The booming sounds of drums hammering away and the low rumble of bass guitars meant that Show of Force, the 25th Infantry Division Band’s rock band ensemble, was warming up and getting ready to bring together a crowd of Soldiers and civilians to the stage.

This nine-member group started off the day playing acoustic rock tunes inside of the Hammer Dining Facility during lunch. The evening show, however, contained a hard-rock style of music that featured widely known American artists such as Metallica, Paramour, Disturbed, Tool and more.  While the band does not focus on typical ceremonial music, the music they do play is meant to uplift the morale and spirits of deployed service members.

Tennessee College Student Supports Troops for Millionth Time

TTU student and Tunes 4 the Troops founder to be featured on CNN Heroe

by Dewayne Wright - Thursday, April 14 2011, Tennessee Technological University

She was just 14 years old when she got the idea for Tunes 4 the Troops, but a million CDs and DVDs later, Kaylee Marie Radzyminski celebrated her success with a final packing party at Tennessee Tech University.

Volunteers from across campus recently joined Radzyminski and Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Mark Matejka to pack thousands of entertainment items — including the millionth one — bound for U.S. troops overseas.

The milestone is documented in an episode of CNN Heroes that is set to premiere nationally online and on the television news network today and will re-air periodically through Monday.

"MEC" band de-stresses deployment for all involved

Part-time band makes the big time in Baghdad

United States Forces – Iraq, Deputy Commanding General (Advising and Training)

04.10.2011 Story by Spc. Breeanna DuBuke BAGHDAD – For six U.S. service members assigned to Forward Operating Base Union III, what began simply as a means to unwind after a day’s work has now turned into a part-time occupation performing at a wide variety of events around the FOB.

MEC, Minimum Essential Chords, a band that started as a way to relieve stress – now play frequent performances for Forward Operating Base Union III residents. The band consists of six members, a sound manager, and guest soloist; and performed at the FOB Union III Morale Welfare and Recreation center here March 25. Photo by Spc. Breeanna DuBuke

As they continued to work off stress, they found a name for their burgeoning band – MEC, short for the Minimum Essential Chords they use in their music.

Goo Goo Dolls - Not Broken

For those of you missing your Warrior today & for those Warriors hoping for a letter from home, hoping for a loved one to meet you when you return:

As recommended, by a particular reader, who thinks of her Soldier when she watches this video. 

Dixieland Band visits TF Currahee

Combined Joint Task Force 101

U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Gravely, a member of the 101st Airborne Division Dixieland Band and a native of Albany, Ga., plays the clarinet. The band brought music to the soldiers of Task Force Currahee, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, as they ate at the Currahee Café Dining Facility on Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan, March 10. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Todd Christopherson)

03.14.2011 PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Reminiscent of the New Orleans jazz festival, a band’s performance offered diners at Currahee Café on Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan, an escape from the norm, March 12.

Smash Mouth gives ‘all star’ performance at COB Adder

 224th Sustainment Brigade

02.28.2011 Story by Spc. Glen Baker CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq –— The rock group Smash Mouth performed for more than 300 service members and civilians at Memorial Hall, Feb. 13, at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.

Steve Harwell, lead singer of the rock group Smash Mouth, and a Santa Clara, Calif., native, entertains more than 300 service members and civilians at a concert in Memorial Hall, Feb.13, at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Glen Baker)

“Lt. Dan Band: For the Common Good” a hit in Beaufort

2/25/2011  By Lance Cpl. Javarre Glanton, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Beaufort, S.C.  — The 5th annual Beaufort International Film Festival featured a prerelease screening of the documentary “Lt. Dan Band: For the Common Good” free of charge for service members Feb. 19.

Later that day, the documentary’s director, Jonathan Flora, was presented the inaugural Santini Patriot Spirit Award, for outstanding portrayal of the American military, veterans or their families in a feature film, documentary or short. The award is named after Col. Donald “The Great Santini” Conroy.

Flora’s movie was based around Gary Sinise, known far and wide for his performance as Lt. Dan Taylor in the hit movie “Forrest Gump.” It documented a story about the band Sinise formed to tour the globe performing for troops.

“When we first started deploying to Afghanistan and started losing troops, I immediately called the United Service Organization asking what I could do,” Sinise explained in the film. He said he felt for the families of the fallen, and felt it was his responsibility to do something for the troops who were sacrificing so much after the events of 9/11.

"Nuts" Knocks the House Down in Salerno, Afghanistan

FOB Salerno goes 'Nuts!'
by Staff Sgt. Ben Navratil 3rd BCT, 1st ID

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division rock band, “Nuts!” performed for a crowd of service members and civilian contractors on Forward Operating Base Salerno, Feb. 20.

The band’s name is derived from a famous event in the history of the 101st during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. During fierce combat between German and American forces for control of Bastogne, Belgium, the division’s acting commander, Brig. Gen. Anthony McAuliffe was asked to surrender the town by German troops surrounding it. He responded with a note that simply said “Nuts!”

Lt. Dan Band brings DSTRESS to Marines

Lt. Dan Band returns to MCB Hawaii with tools to DSTRESS

Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay

Lt. Dan Band vocalist Julie Dutchak and fellow band members perform the Tom Cochrane song, "Life is a Highway," during a United Service Organizations-sponsored concert at Hangar 103 on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Feb. 11, 2011. While the band's mission to entertain remained unchanged from past performances at MCB Hawaii, this visit focused on advocating the Marine Corps' new DSTRESS Line — "a place to call for those with the courage to answer our nation's call."  Photo by Lance Cpl. Reece Lodder

02.12.2011  Story by Lance Cpl. Reece Lodder Illuminating Hangar 103 with equal doses of energy, hits and charisma, Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band returned to Marine Corps Base Hawaii for a United Service Organizations-sponsored concert, Feb. 11, 2011.

Shielded inside the hangar bay from persistent showers, the band played their fourth concert in five years for Hawaii Marines, sailors and their families. While their mission to entertain remained unchanged from past performances, this visit focused on a new purpose — advocating the Marine Corps’ new DSTRESS Line.

Advertised as “a place to call for those with the courage to answer our nation’s call,” DSTRESS offers regular, reserve, veteran, and Marine retirees and their families an anonymous call center staffed by Marine veterans, former Fleet Marine Force corpsmen, and licensed behavioral health counselors trained in Marine Corps culture and ethos.

Soldiers bring Beethoven to Basrah

Written by Staff Sgt. Chanelcherie DeMello, 305th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Ten students from the Basrah University arts and music academy performed some of their finest Arab melodies as well as an innovative excerpt from Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9” during a musical workshop held by the 36th Infantry Division Band at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq.

Monday, February 07, 2011 BASRAH, Iraq – Soldiers of the 36th Infantry Division Band at Contingency Operating Base Basra dedicated a day of instrument familiarization and music rehearsals to 10 students of the Basrah University arts and music academy.

From the French horn to the bass guitar, the band kicked-off the day with a musical workshop on different instruments and genres of music.

Finger-pickin’ good: Soldier strums guitar, writes songs from his heart

Combined Joint Task Force 101

U.S. Army Cpl. Jamie Gold, an all-wheeled vehicle mechanic and Pearcy, Ark., native, plays his guitar and sings on Forward Operating Base Fenty in eastern Afghanistan Feb. 6. Gold, assigned to the 426th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, is on his fourth combat tour and is scheduled to redeploy in the spring. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Paula Taylor

02.06.2011 Story by Sgt. 1st Class Paula Taylor NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – He grew up in the small town of Pearcy, Ark., in a family of five and, as a teen, he found his love for music and has been playing, song writing and entertaining ever since.

His name is U.S. Army Cpl. Jamie Gold and he’s an all-wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to the 426th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

“The first real interest in playing music was when I went to a football game, and I told my mom I would like to play music,” recalled Gold. “I heard the high school band play at halftime and that is when it all started.”

When Gold and his identical twin brother Jimie were given the option of buying a car or buying instruments, the choice for them was simple.

“We got some money for a car and bought a

En Vogue gives JBB a piece of their love

103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command

En Vogue performed for a crowd of hundreds of service members and civilians Jan. 21 at Sustainer Theater, Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Photo by Spc. Zane Craig

02.06.2011 Story by Spc. Zane Craig JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq— En Vogue performed for a crowd of hundreds of service members and civilians Jan. 21 at Sustainer Theater, Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

En Vogue consists of four members who have been making music together for more than twenty years. Some of their most popular hits include; “Whatta Man”, “(My Lovin) You’re Never Gonna Get It” and “Free Your Mind”.

Maxine Jones and Terry Ellis performed at JBB while another band mate who was scheduled to perform had to return to the U.S. at the last minute due to a loss within her family.