AFMC Command News

Band of Flight ensemble returns home from 120-day deployment

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Kost
  • United States Air Force Band of Flight Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  A deployed ensemble from the Band of Flight returned here Nov. 20, 2010, after a 120-day deployment onboard the USS Iwo Jima.

New Harmony's 10-member ensemble returned after traveling to eight different countries in Central and South America in support of the U.S. Navy's Continuing Promise 2010. The mission provided disaster relief training for military doctors, dentists and engineers, as well as localized humanitarian assistance to people usually in remote locations.

New Harmony's contributions to Continuing Promise included musical support on and off the ship. Maj. R. Michael Mench, New Harmony's officer in charge and commander of the Band of Flight, said music played an integral role in the deployment's mission.
 
"Music is another way to communicate, and it opens the hearts and minds of people," he said. "For example, when the United States military plays the music of a host nation it lowers the borders and enables us to perform the medical and engineering mission more effectively."

According to New Harmony's Director of Operations Master Sgt. Tyler Selden, the group performed for a total of 48,000 people in 126 concerts.

"We played acoustic rock shows, electric rock shows, brass quintet programs and trio programs," Sergeant Selden said.

Among these concerts, the group performed with Colombian-born Latin music star Carolina la O, in parades in Costa Rica, at school concerts in Guatemala and for the president of Panama. Additionally, New Harmony heavily supported ship activities, such as chapel services, departure ceremonies and the Marine Corps' Birthday Ball.

One of the most memorable moments for Major Mench was New Harmony's partnership with the Colombian Marines in Coveñas and Don Gabriel, Colombia.

"This was part of an on-going mission of building trust with the children and elders of the towns. The Marines sang songs and played games with the kids, and we performed alongside them," said Major Mench.

Now that the members of New Harmony are back on dry land, they will hit the ground running as they re-join the Band of Flight for upcoming holiday concerts. For more information about upcoming concerts, please visit the band's website at www.bandofflight.af.mil for more details.