Photo By Tech. Sgt. James Bolinger | Army Sgt. Kevin Quinones, 82nd Airborne Division Band guitarist, plays "Jingle Bells"...... read more read more
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By Senior Airman James Bolinger
Combined Joint Task Force – 82 Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – "Good tidings we bring from all at Fort Bragg, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. So bring us a C-130, so bring us a C-130, so bring us a C-130 and bring it right here. Cause, we won't jump until we get one, no we won't jump until we get one, we won't jump until we get one, so bring it right here. We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year."
The 82nd Airborne Division's All-American Chorus and one member of the All-American Band Level 82 traveled on a rotary-wing sleigh to visit troops scattered throughout Kunar province, Dec. 25.
The carollers were escorted by Brig. Gen. Rodney Anderson, Combined Joint Task Force 82, deputy commanding general for support, while they sang Christmas tunes and patriotic country-western tunes to service members at five forward operating bases.
"We were able to bring (these Soldiers) a little bit of home and Christmas spirit," said Anderson. "They can reflect on the wonderful moments associated with Christmas."
Army Sgt. Kevin Quinones, All-American guitarist, warmed up the crowd after Anderson presented purple hearts, combat action badges and coins to deserving Soldiers.
"I picked songs that were upbeat," said Quinones. "These guys just want to hear some country or some rock instead of just having (a digital music player) all the time."
Quinones coaxed the crowd to sing along to "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and a country-western version of "Jingle Bells."
"The music is the best part of traveling like this," said Quinones. "I enjoy entertaining. During the holidays, these guys are thinking about home and I want to get their minds off of home for a little while."
The chorus followed the guitarist singing paratrooper Christmas carols which brought laughs from the gathered soldiers.
"Seeing the looks on these guys' faces makes this worth it," said one chorus member. "After seeing how rough some of these guys have it, no one on BAF can complain."
Despite the cold and often muddy conditions, Anderson said the Service members at these remote bases are doing a phenomenal job.
"They're all doing well, especially in their ability to partner with the (Afghan national army) and build relationships with the local people to bring them hope for a safer future," said Anderson. "In our remaining time here, we are doing our part to assist the Afghans in building a stable Afghanistan."
| Date Taken: | 12.26.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 12.26.2007 15:07 |
| Story ID: | 15007 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 587 |
| Downloads: | 551 |
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