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.