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