Courtesy Photo | Army Sgt. Daniel Jaggie, attached to the 525th Military Police Battalion with Joint...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — As Army Sgt. Daniel Jaggie strums comfortably at his guitar and sings absorbing melodies into the microphone, the audience is often found entranced with the music — tapping their feet and bobbing their heads — every Sunday night on the patio of O'Kelly's Irish Pub for "Sunday Night Sit-In with Daniel Jaggie." Jaggie, a member of Joint Task Force Guantanamo's 525th Military Police Battalion preventive medicine, has been performing there during the last three months.
Just this month, Jaggie was one of seven Soldiers selected from the entire Army, National Guard and Reserve force to perform with the USA Express Band, a highly deployable and mobile traveling band.
The band, produced by the U.S. Army Entertainment Division, travels throughout the United States and abroad, touring remote military installations, training sites and isolated combat contingency areas. The group is comprised of Army active duty, National Guard and Reserve musicians and singers chosen for their outstanding military performance, attitude, musical ability and versatility.
Jaggie learned about the tryouts from military.com.
"Since then, I was determined to make it into the USA Express [Band]," Jaggie said.
With more than 12 years of guitar playing under his belt, Jaggie immediately put his package together. In addition to the paper work, requests and waivers, Jaggie produced a live recording DVD covering five popular songs which the band plays while on tour.
"I [recorded] a DVD that was made at Camp Justice with [two members of the 474th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron] Tech. Sgt. Greg Reiss on drums and Staff Sgt. Adam Hensley on bass," Jaggie said. "You can see the videos on YouTube — just look up my name."
Jaggie knew he was selected to join the Army elite after receiving an official e-mail from the non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the USA Express Band.
"I ran to the next office and jumped up on my officer-in-charge's desk screaming, 'I made it, I'm out of here!'" Jaggie exclaimed.
For the next three-and-a-half months, Jaggie will tour the United States, Asia, Europe and Africa.
"I'm especially excited to see Africa during my tour," he said.
"I've always [been busy with] work or school, so it's going to be nice to be able to concentrate on playing music without any distractions. Now, playing music will be my only priority."
Reflecting on his musical career, Jaggie has a hard time pointing to a specific musician who influenced him the most.
"It is hard to say really, it just started out as a hobby and it is [about] my own personal desire for excellence and perfection," he said.
Sitting with Jaggie and listening to him describe his career in the Army, as well as a musician, reveals that he knows there is a fine line between arrogance and confidence.
"I'm always the first to point out my own mistakes and flaws, and then try to build from there," Jaggie said. "I hope to get some exposure, make connections and get my name out there; I can't wait to see the world."
To follow Jaggie during his tour with USA Express, visit his two fan-based Web sites at Danieljaggie.com and myspace.com/danieljaggiemusic.
| Date Taken: | 06.19.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.26.2009 15:01 |
| Story ID: | 35679 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 167 |
| Downloads: | 131 |
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