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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (February 8, 2012) - Third
Army/ARCENT hosted a live performance by The Volunteers of the U.S.
Army Field Band here, Feb. 8.
The Volunteers are the U.S. Army's
premier touring show band. Since its inception in 1981, this
talented six-member group has performed in all 50 states, and many
other countries.
Performances by The Volunteers have
included Mardi Gras, the Indianapolis 500, Nashville Now, the
Calgary Stampede, and many state fairs and festivals across the
country.
During the concert, the six soldiers
from Fort Meade, Md., entertained service members, contractors, and
DoD civilians as they covered classic rock hits from Pink Floyd and
Bruce Springsteen, to contemporary tunes by Adele, Jessie J, and
many more.
"Our mission is threefold," said Sgt.
Maj. Kirk Kadish, U.S. Army Field Band keyboardist and
non-commissioned officer in charge. "We're here to educate, inspire
and provide entertainment to the service members here."
Having the opportunity to travel
around the globe and play for troops is a great opportunity to
allow service members the chance to kick back and relax, the
Melvindale, Mich., native said.
"When we come out here and play, the
whole idea is to give the Warfighter a little break from reality
and a chance to unwind," Kadish explained. "We're coming out here
to hopefully ease these troops' burdens. We have a great
appreciation for what these warriors are doing, and it's an honor
and a privilege to perform for them. As a musician, there's no
other opportunity I can imagine that gives you a greater sense of
fulfillment."
Army Reservist Staff Sgt. Leon
Merrill, 129th Transportation Company and Chillicothe, Mo., native,
attended the event and said Third Army helped improve his morale by
bringing in the Volunteers.
"I'm here because I heard the Army
Field Band was good, and I wanted to see it for myself," said
Merrill. "I'm very impressed with their abilities, and it really
improved my morale seeing soldiers come together from different
units and form such a powerful band for our entertainment."
Third Army's commitment to the
well-being of service members remains a priority. Through morale
boosting events like The Volunteers of the U.S. Army Field Band's
live performance, Third Army is keeping spirits high for service
members, the strength of our nation.
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