CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – For what many believe to be the first time in history, an Army band performed on a United States Navy destroyer in the Persian Gulf Aug. 26.
The 34th Infantry Division band, Center Mass, concluded their week-long tour of the gulf after playing five shows in four locations. The band played at Umm Qasr, the Al Basrah Oil Terminal, on the USS Decatur and at Camp Bucca, before returning to Contingency Operating Base Basra Aug. 30.
Sgt. Ryan Lodgaard, drummer for Center Mass, said he enjoyed playing for the Sailors onboard the USS Decatur Aug. 26. The St. Paul, Minn. native said he never thought he would get the opportunity to play on a Navy destroyer for the Army, and will never forget the experience. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery) The highlight of the trip for many of the band members was performing for the Sailors stationed aboard the USS Decatur, which is currently pulling security around the Al Basrah Oil Terminal in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“That was the best thing this week, playing on the Decatur,” said Sgt. Ryan Lodgaard, drummer for Center Mass. “I know guys in the Navy who have never been on a ship and I got the opportunity to go out and play on one.”
“I never thought in a million years I would play on a Navy destroyer for the Army,” said Lodgaard, a St. Paul, Minn. resident. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and one I won’t soon forget.”
Many of the Decatur’s crew members and the members of Center Mass believe this is the first occasion an Army band has performed on a Navy ship at sea and according to Sgt. Dave Woychek, the keyboardist for Center Mass, it wasn’t easy getting there.
“We had a lot of mishaps and interesting experiences trying to get out here,” the Winona, Minn. resident said in reference to the band being stuck at sea for a few hours after the boat they were on broke down the day before.
The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division band, Center Mass, performed a live show for the Sailors stationed aboard the USS Decatur Aug. 26. The band said when they arrived in Iraq they decided to make it their goal to bring entertainment to the places United Service Organization tours do not get to visit. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery) The members of the band were determined to get out to the Decatur and perform for the Sailors, who often miss out on United Service Organization tours, regardless of whatever mishaps delayed them.
“We decided when we came to Iraq that the large (forward operating bases) get a lot of USO tours,” Woychek said, “so we made it our main goal to get out to the smaller FOBs and patrol bases, and in this case ships to play for the guys who deserve it most, the guys who don’t get any entertainment.”
“As an Army band, we don’t need the force protection required by USO tours to go to the smaller FOBs and play for the service members that don’t get anything,” said Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Johnson, bassist and team leader for Center Mass.
Sailors of the USS Decatur gather around the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division band during a live performance on the ship’s flight deck Aug. 26. Many of the Decatur’s crew and the band members believe the performance was the first time in history an Army band played on a deployed ship. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery) Johnson, a Minneapolis resident said he enjoys getting out and seeing all the different FOBs and performing for the Soldiers who never get big name entertainers.
The high heat and humidity didn’t keep the band from playing for the service members. After each show, although they were dripping in sweat, the look of satisfaction swept across their faces because they knew they had given their best and entertained the crowds.
“Although the heat and humidity was depressive,” Lodgaard said, “we pushed on and made it happen. Just knowing we are entertaining the service members who are in harm’s way everyday makes it easier.”
“It was an honor to get out and play for these guys,” Lodgaard said. “I saw a lot of smiles while performing this week. Being in a band is a great job to have for the Army.”
The Sandstorm September Edition “We take care of troops,” Lodgaard said, “that’s what we do as a band.”
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Army bands unite for Independence Day
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – Combined personnel of the 56th Army, 1st Cavalry Division, 25th Infantry Division and 34th Infantry Division bands performed patriotic songs for Soldiers at Contingency Operating Base Basra June 27.
It was the first stop on a four-show tour of across Iraq, and the first time all the Army bands in Iraq collaborated in the same place at the same time.
Spc. Charles Curry, a Wapakoneta, Ohio native and percussionist with the 34th Infantry Division Band, plays on the tympanis during an Independence Day concert in Contingency Operating Base Basra June 27. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. J.Princeville Lawrence) “This is historical,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 John Fraser, a Brooklyn, N.Y. native. “This has never been tried before.”
“I had this wild idea even before we deployed,” Fraser said. “Then it was just an idea. I never thought we could actually put it together, but with the cooperation of the other band members and their commands we put it together.”
Members of the band said they enjoyed collaborating with people from other units.
“You always have that common language,” said Spc. Charles Curry, a Wapakoneta, Ohio native and percussionist with the 34th Inf. Div. Band. “You share the same experiences, get the same jokes.”
Spc. Aaron Bedford, a percussionist with the 34th Infantry Division Band, plays the cowbell during an Independence Day concert in Contingency Operating Base Basra June 27. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence) Curry said he looked forward to traveling around Iraq to celebrate the Fourth of July with Soldiers.
“Hopefully, you boost a little spirit, remind people of home,” said Curry. “We all have a spark of patriotism within us and we’re going to bring that to the fore.”
It was the first stop on a four-show tour of across Iraq, and the first time all the Army bands in Iraq collaborated in the same place at the same time.
Spc. Charles Curry, a Wapakoneta, Ohio native and percussionist with the 34th Infantry Division Band, plays on the tympanis during an Independence Day concert in Contingency Operating Base Basra June 27. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. J.Princeville Lawrence) “This is historical,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 John Fraser, a Brooklyn, N.Y. native. “This has never been tried before.”
“I had this wild idea even before we deployed,” Fraser said. “Then it was just an idea. I never thought we could actually put it together, but with the cooperation of the other band members and their commands we put it together.”
Members of the band said they enjoyed collaborating with people from other units.
“You always have that common language,” said Spc. Charles Curry, a Wapakoneta, Ohio native and percussionist with the 34th Inf. Div. Band. “You share the same experiences, get the same jokes.”
Spc. Aaron Bedford, a percussionist with the 34th Infantry Division Band, plays the cowbell during an Independence Day concert in Contingency Operating Base Basra June 27. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence) Curry said he looked forward to traveling around Iraq to celebrate the Fourth of July with Soldiers.
“Hopefully, you boost a little spirit, remind people of home,” said Curry. “We all have a spark of patriotism within us and we’re going to bring that to the fore.”
Thursday, June 25, 2009
American Soldier connects to Iraqi citizens with national anthem
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – With towering vocals that defy her small stature, Sgt. Brenda Bushera, a member of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Band, has made a connection with the people of Iraq.
The Wausaukee, Wis. native has sung the Iraqi national anthem at a number of events since deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, including a transfer of authority ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Basra, as well as a TOA ceremony and an end-of-mission ceremony at COB Adder celebrating the contributions of the now-departed Romanian forces in providing support during OIF.
Bushera said singing the Iraqi anthem is the easy part. Learning it, however, was a daunting process that required extensive work with interpreters to learn the pronunciation and diction of the Arabic words in the song.
Sgt. Brenda Bushera, saxophone player and vocalist for the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Band, sings the Iraqi national anthem during a recording session at Contingency Operating Base Basra June 20. Bushera, a native of Wausaukee, Wis., learned the song by working extensively with both a British and Iraqi interpreter to master the pronunciation and diction of the Arabic words in the song. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Frank Vaughn) “I worked with a British interpreter and an Iraqi interpreter to learn the anthem,” said Bushera, who now lives in Chicago. “The interpreters wrote the words out phonetically for me and I had to work extensively with them to get the diction right.”
Bushera, who plays saxophone in the Red Bull Band, approached Chief Warrant Officer Trygve Skaar, the band leader, five days before the TOA ceremony and told him she was ready to sing the Iraqi national anthem.
“That was a goal we had,” said Skaar. “We wanted to connect with the Iraqi public in a meaningful way. What better way to do that than through their national anthem?”
Bushera, who has a master’s degree in vocal performance from Northwestern University in Chicago, said she worked as hard as she did to learn the anthem because she believes the Iraqi people should hear their anthem and take pride in it.
Sgt. Brenda Bushera, saxophone player and vocalist for the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Band, sings the Iraqi national anthem during a recording session at Contingency Operating Base Basra June 20. Bushera, a native of Wausaukee, Wis., learned the song by working extensively with both a British and Iraqi interpreter to master the pronunciation and diction of the Arabic words in the song. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Frank Vaughn) “Their anthem is relatively new,” Bushera said. “Many of them don’t even know it. I felt it was extremely important for the Iraqi people to hear their anthem and have pride in it. This was a good way for them to have pride in their freedom.”
“It builds nationalism,” Skaar added. “You can see the emotion on their faces when they hear the song. When we did it at the Romanian ceremony at Adder, some of them actually broke into applause when it was finished!”
Skaar gives a lot of credit to Bushera for the hard work she put into making this goal a reality.
“She is one of the Army’s best, both on the saxophone and vocally,” Skaar said. “She’s an amazing talent and we are fortunate to have her.”
The Wausaukee, Wis. native has sung the Iraqi national anthem at a number of events since deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, including a transfer of authority ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Basra, as well as a TOA ceremony and an end-of-mission ceremony at COB Adder celebrating the contributions of the now-departed Romanian forces in providing support during OIF.
Bushera said singing the Iraqi anthem is the easy part. Learning it, however, was a daunting process that required extensive work with interpreters to learn the pronunciation and diction of the Arabic words in the song.
Sgt. Brenda Bushera, saxophone player and vocalist for the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Band, sings the Iraqi national anthem during a recording session at Contingency Operating Base Basra June 20. Bushera, a native of Wausaukee, Wis., learned the song by working extensively with both a British and Iraqi interpreter to master the pronunciation and diction of the Arabic words in the song. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Frank Vaughn) “I worked with a British interpreter and an Iraqi interpreter to learn the anthem,” said Bushera, who now lives in Chicago. “The interpreters wrote the words out phonetically for me and I had to work extensively with them to get the diction right.”
Bushera, who plays saxophone in the Red Bull Band, approached Chief Warrant Officer Trygve Skaar, the band leader, five days before the TOA ceremony and told him she was ready to sing the Iraqi national anthem.
“That was a goal we had,” said Skaar. “We wanted to connect with the Iraqi public in a meaningful way. What better way to do that than through their national anthem?”
Bushera, who has a master’s degree in vocal performance from Northwestern University in Chicago, said she worked as hard as she did to learn the anthem because she believes the Iraqi people should hear their anthem and take pride in it.
Sgt. Brenda Bushera, saxophone player and vocalist for the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Band, sings the Iraqi national anthem during a recording session at Contingency Operating Base Basra June 20. Bushera, a native of Wausaukee, Wis., learned the song by working extensively with both a British and Iraqi interpreter to master the pronunciation and diction of the Arabic words in the song. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Frank Vaughn) “Their anthem is relatively new,” Bushera said. “Many of them don’t even know it. I felt it was extremely important for the Iraqi people to hear their anthem and have pride in it. This was a good way for them to have pride in their freedom.”
“It builds nationalism,” Skaar added. “You can see the emotion on their faces when they hear the song. When we did it at the Romanian ceremony at Adder, some of them actually broke into applause when it was finished!”
Skaar gives a lot of credit to Bushera for the hard work she put into making this goal a reality.
“She is one of the Army’s best, both on the saxophone and vocally,” Skaar said. “She’s an amazing talent and we are fortunate to have her.”
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Transfer of Authority
Hello "Red Bull" Band friends and family,
The 34th ID Band is busy preparing for a big day. The Transfer of Authority (TOA) between the 10th Mountain Division and the 34th Infantry Division will occur very soon here at Combat Operation Base Basrah. The "Red Bull" Band will be there in full force. It will be one of the only times during the deployment that all 44 Soldiers of the Band collaborate for a musical mission.
Part of the ceremony is performing the host nation country National Anthem. It is a very good possibility that some Iraqi citizens in attendance at the TOA ceremony will hear their National Anthem by live performers for the first time, or for that matter for the first time ever.
SGT Brenda Bushera has worked with Iraqi interpreters to learn the Iraqi National Anthem, "My Homeland" and will sing both the US and the Iraqi Anthems accompanied by the "Red Bull" Band. This will be a very special time for the leaders of Iraq and the US to collaborate. It is a also a time to reflect on the great things the 10th Mountain Division, under the leadership of Major General Michael Oates accomplished, and what the road ahead is for our Commander MG Rick Nash and the 34th Infantry Division. "Red Bulls" lead the way.
The 34th ID Band is busy preparing for a big day. The Transfer of Authority (TOA) between the 10th Mountain Division and the 34th Infantry Division will occur very soon here at Combat Operation Base Basrah. The "Red Bull" Band will be there in full force. It will be one of the only times during the deployment that all 44 Soldiers of the Band collaborate for a musical mission.
Part of the ceremony is performing the host nation country National Anthem. It is a very good possibility that some Iraqi citizens in attendance at the TOA ceremony will hear their National Anthem by live performers for the first time, or for that matter for the first time ever.
SGT Brenda Bushera has worked with Iraqi interpreters to learn the Iraqi National Anthem, "My Homeland" and will sing both the US and the Iraqi Anthems accompanied by the "Red Bull" Band. This will be a very special time for the leaders of Iraq and the US to collaborate. It is a also a time to reflect on the great things the 10th Mountain Division, under the leadership of Major General Michael Oates accomplished, and what the road ahead is for our Commander MG Rick Nash and the 34th Infantry Division. "Red Bulls" lead the way.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Busy busy bulls
Greetings friends and family of "Red Bull" Soldiers. You would be proud of the work everyone is doing here in Basrah. The morale is very high and the work output from all sections is outstanding. The "Red Bull" Band is very busy.
We have performed over 25 concerts already in the short time we have been operational. Our 6 performing ensembles are carving out temporary rehearsal areas around Camp Basrah and each day brings a new gig or a new place to practice.
We are rehearsing in tents, trailers, air hangars, chapel annexes and even in the motor pool under a tin shelter. The gigs we have done have been very rewarding for the Soldiers. One was performing for the participants of the Bataan Death March at Camp Basrah, a sister race to the one in Brainerd, MN. The 1/194 Armor out of Brainerd MN hosts a 20 mile road march each year that honors the 75,000 US and Philippine prisoners of war who were forced to march 60 miles in 1941. Over 20,000 died during, or as a result of that forced march. Soldiers of Minnesota's 1/194 Armor Battalion were part of that unimaginable day and this march helps us to "never forget Bataan."
The Echos of Liberty performed at the start of the march and the Northern Star Brass Quintet performed at the turn around point. As I write this the "Red Devils" are performing for the 615 CRE Air Force at the Basrah Air Hangar. An early highlight is that we are now international ambassadors for Minnesota and the United States Army. In one concert the "Red Devil" Rock Combo and the "Center Mass" Rock Band performed for British Special Forces Soldiers, Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army Soldiers and US Soldiers. The camaraderie brought about by the music was an experience I will never forget.
As the "Red Devils" performed "Touch Me Babe" by the Doors, an Iraqi Policeman danced right in front of the band with the most energy and passion possible by a human being. I was standing with his Iraqi friends as they heckled (in a good way) and encouraged him. Even though there was a language barrier the fellowship was genuine as we truly enjoyed the moment - the music bonded us as we laughed together. Human beings are each unique and our cultures are different but the bonds that are created when joint efforts are put towards a common goal is very encouraging. The US, British, Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army all worked together the next day training and performing missions to continue to make Iraq a better place.
It is inspiring to me personally to see the passion for life and service to others that the Soldiers and Iraqis here in Basrah have. I said going into this that it will be a life changing experience and it already has been for me.
We have performed over 25 concerts already in the short time we have been operational. Our 6 performing ensembles are carving out temporary rehearsal areas around Camp Basrah and each day brings a new gig or a new place to practice.
We are rehearsing in tents, trailers, air hangars, chapel annexes and even in the motor pool under a tin shelter. The gigs we have done have been very rewarding for the Soldiers. One was performing for the participants of the Bataan Death March at Camp Basrah, a sister race to the one in Brainerd, MN. The 1/194 Armor out of Brainerd MN hosts a 20 mile road march each year that honors the 75,000 US and Philippine prisoners of war who were forced to march 60 miles in 1941. Over 20,000 died during, or as a result of that forced march. Soldiers of Minnesota's 1/194 Armor Battalion were part of that unimaginable day and this march helps us to "never forget Bataan."
The Echos of Liberty performed at the start of the march and the Northern Star Brass Quintet performed at the turn around point. As I write this the "Red Devils" are performing for the 615 CRE Air Force at the Basrah Air Hangar. An early highlight is that we are now international ambassadors for Minnesota and the United States Army. In one concert the "Red Devil" Rock Combo and the "Center Mass" Rock Band performed for British Special Forces Soldiers, Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army Soldiers and US Soldiers. The camaraderie brought about by the music was an experience I will never forget.
As the "Red Devils" performed "Touch Me Babe" by the Doors, an Iraqi Policeman danced right in front of the band with the most energy and passion possible by a human being. I was standing with his Iraqi friends as they heckled (in a good way) and encouraged him. Even though there was a language barrier the fellowship was genuine as we truly enjoyed the moment - the music bonded us as we laughed together. Human beings are each unique and our cultures are different but the bonds that are created when joint efforts are put towards a common goal is very encouraging. The US, British, Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army all worked together the next day training and performing missions to continue to make Iraq a better place.
It is inspiring to me personally to see the passion for life and service to others that the Soldiers and Iraqis here in Basrah have. I said going into this that it will be a life changing experience and it already has been for me.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Red Bulls Lead the Way
The 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" Band is currently assigned to Multi National Division-South, and is stationed at Camp Basrah, Iraq. We are replacing the 10th Mountain Division Band and currently have our advance party on ground setting up our company area of operations in Basrah.
The rest of the "Red Bull" Band is currently completing training in Camp Buehring, Kuwait and will be in Basrah in a matter of days.
On 2 May 2009 the 34th Infantry Division Band and the 10th Mountain Division Band combined forces to perform in a jazz quintet during lunch at the dining facility located next to the Division Headquarters at Camp Basrah. This performance was the first time since WWII that Soldiers of the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" Band performed music for Soldiers in combat.
The over 2,500 US and Coalition Soldiers that ate lunch during their performance thoroughly enjoyed the performance. I heard one soldier comment as he left after eating, "this was the closest I felt to home in months." SFC Elliot and SGT Kearns of the 10th Mountain Band have been very helpful in the "Relief In Place" (RIP) process. Their expertise and experience have set us up for success during this RIP; and their performance today in the jazz quintet was a true testament to the outstanding tradition and excellence of the 10th Mountain Division.
I was proud to witness these two storied Divisions combining talents to provide entertainment to the coalition forces. SFC Johnson, SFC Hunter and SGT Vogl of the 34th ID Band performed with dedication and enthusiasm. SGT Vogl had been up all night after driving the LMTV (Light Medium Tactical Vehicle) to load baggage and receive Soldiers of the 34th ID as they arrived in Basrah from Kuwait.
Two other members of the "Red Bull" Band ADVON party, SSG Gangi and SSG Fults are working shifts in the Base Defense Operation Cell until that staff arrives in Iraq.
We are all working hard to set the "Red Bull" Band up for success in the coming year. I have never been more proud to work with a group of people. I believe in what we bring to the war effort and look forward to lifting the spirits of all the Soldiers we perform for. We miss our loved ones but are growing from this experience. Stay in touch for more blogs/updates from myself and other Soldiers of the "Red Bull" Band - "Red Bulls" lead the way!
Chief Warrant Officer Trygve Skaar 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" Band Commanding
The rest of the "Red Bull" Band is currently completing training in Camp Buehring, Kuwait and will be in Basrah in a matter of days.
On 2 May 2009 the 34th Infantry Division Band and the 10th Mountain Division Band combined forces to perform in a jazz quintet during lunch at the dining facility located next to the Division Headquarters at Camp Basrah. This performance was the first time since WWII that Soldiers of the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" Band performed music for Soldiers in combat.
The over 2,500 US and Coalition Soldiers that ate lunch during their performance thoroughly enjoyed the performance. I heard one soldier comment as he left after eating, "this was the closest I felt to home in months." SFC Elliot and SGT Kearns of the 10th Mountain Band have been very helpful in the "Relief In Place" (RIP) process. Their expertise and experience have set us up for success during this RIP; and their performance today in the jazz quintet was a true testament to the outstanding tradition and excellence of the 10th Mountain Division.
I was proud to witness these two storied Divisions combining talents to provide entertainment to the coalition forces. SFC Johnson, SFC Hunter and SGT Vogl of the 34th ID Band performed with dedication and enthusiasm. SGT Vogl had been up all night after driving the LMTV (Light Medium Tactical Vehicle) to load baggage and receive Soldiers of the 34th ID as they arrived in Basrah from Kuwait.
Two other members of the "Red Bull" Band ADVON party, SSG Gangi and SSG Fults are working shifts in the Base Defense Operation Cell until that staff arrives in Iraq.
We are all working hard to set the "Red Bull" Band up for success in the coming year. I have never been more proud to work with a group of people. I believe in what we bring to the war effort and look forward to lifting the spirits of all the Soldiers we perform for. We miss our loved ones but are growing from this experience. Stay in touch for more blogs/updates from myself and other Soldiers of the "Red Bull" Band - "Red Bulls" lead the way!
Chief Warrant Officer Trygve Skaar 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" Band Commanding
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)