82ND Combat Aviation Brigade

Story by Sgt. Aubree Rundle

Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan— Large crowds of U.S. and coalition forces gathered Wednesday and Thursday night on Kandahar Airfield to watch the performance of the 82nd Airborne Division's rock band "No Reserve."

Deployed for a year under the command of the Combined Joint Task Force - 82 in Regional Command-East, Afghanistan, this was the band's first mission to RC-South to entertain troops in theatre.

Performing at the rotary-wing flight line, boardwalk and Harvest Falcon (living area for hundreds of U.S. service members on KAF), No Reserve entertained crowds enriched with U.S. service members, coalition forces, and civilian contractors with various cover songs and a cohesive stage performance.

The 82nd Abn. Div. woodwind quartet also traveled to RC-South performing classical numbers in front of a Canadian coffee shop and in the international dining facility at lunch during the band's visit.

"It's an honor to be invited here to perform for these service members," said Spc. Christine Permenter, lead vocalist in the band. Permenter joined the Army originally as a flute player.

As original members of the 82nd Abn. Div. marching band, No Reserve's rock band members spend their time during deployment performing for Troops during forward operating base events and military celebrations. They play songs from various genres of music such as country western, pop, alternative rock and classic rock.

"Over the past four years, this has been the best group to be a part of," said Sgt. 1st Class James Donahue, bass player and non-commissioned officer-in-charge, No Reserve.

U.S. Army rotary-wing helicopters from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade made it possible for the band's travel and performance at KAF.

"The fact that we were brought down here by request is really great," said Sgt. Bridgette Dyer, vocalist and pianist, No Reserve.

Originating as an invitation to perform for a Black Hawk helicopter company in support of the aircrew's appreciation and recognition of their outgoing company commander, No Reserve's performance schedule and support of troop morale was expanded to the entire airfield.

The coordination through the Morale Welfare Recreation team and installation support made it possible for the rock band to provide entertainment to the troops across KAF and perform more than one time.

"It was a great turn out, the boardwalk was filled and we had a great time performing for the aviation crews that made this all possible," said Donahue. "It doesn't matter if we play for one person or one thousand people; we get on stage and we have a good time."

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