Photo By Sgt. Tracy R. Myers | A shadow of the drummer for the U.S. Army's Ground Forces Rock Band flashes in the...... read more read more
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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – It’s not every day deployed troops get to enjoy the booming sound of live music and the thrill of an energetic concert.
The Loose Cannons, Army Ground Forces rock band, is touring Kuwait playing the familiar sounds of classic, alternative and hard rock music.
“Hearing live music reminds me of being at home,” said Cpl. Brian Larner, concert spectator. “It was a nice break from our everyday reality of deployment.”
During an outdoor concert at the Zone Six stage, Soldiers moved to the beat of the music, drumming their hands on the tops of their legs, smiling, laughing and enjoying themselves on what may have been just another mundane night in Kuwait.
“We do these concerts to boost morale, keep everyone motivated and give Soldiers a break from the heat,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Malin, Loose Cannons drummer. “We try to bring them a little piece of home.”
Soldiers are very mission oriented, focusing all day on their tasks and responsibilities. The nagging heat of the desert can be some Soldiers worst enemy.
“I think it’s important for the troops to relax and enjoy the music because they tend to dwell on the fact that this place is miserably hot and they want to be back home,” said Malin.
Delivering melodies ranging from Katy Perry’s “Roar” to Journey’s “When the Lights Go Down in the City,” contentment is exactly what they brought.
“I came here tonight to kind of get away, to pretend like I’m not deployed and feel like I’m back home for a split moment,” said Pfc. Nicholas Gillam, who attended the concert. “Music is one thing that almost everyone can find relief through.”
The Loose Cannons gave their all to please us, he continued. They put all of their energy into it, despite the high temperature and barely tolerable heat.
“I always look forward to performances,” said Malin. “I love performing for people and making them happy.”
Soldiers stationed at Camp Arifjan will have another opportunity to enjoy a live concert by the Loose Cannons, playing cover songs from popular rock and pop artists, during festivities on Independence Day. They will be performing again at the Zone One event tent on the Fourth of July.
“Having Soldiers come play for us and care enough to come spend their holiday with us really means a lot to me,” said Gillam. “My birthday is on the Fourth of July, and having a concert to go to really raises my spirit up.”
| Date Taken: | 07.01.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.01.2014 15:35 |
| Story ID: | 134990 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Hometown: | FORT LIBERTY, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 542 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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