'First Team' Soldiers Entertained by 'Raw Material'

Courtesy Photo | Members of the band, "Raw Material," entertain the Soldiers of the 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, as they crammed into a small chapel for a night of music, Jan. 14. Raw Material is made up of Soldiers from 389th Army Material Command Band and play a variety cover songs ranging from Rage Against the Machine to Tina Turner. (U.S. Army photo by Chaplain (Capt.) Soon Jung, 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)  

01.14.2002

Story by Spc. Ryan Stroud 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

By Spc. Ryan Stroud
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

MUQDADIYA, Iraq - Sounds of rock, pop and rhythm and blues music filled the cold Iraqi night sky as Soldiers from the 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, crammed into a small chapel for a night of music provided by the 389th Army Material Command Band, 'Raw Material,' Jan. 14.

The band made the stop at Forward Operating Base Normandy, in the Diyala province in Iraq, during their tour to provide entertainment to the Soldiers who's FOBs are not normally visited by entertainment guest.

"We have deployed many times and have noticed that many FOBs are not getting any musicians or entertainers," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Moyer, Raw Material's non-commissioned officer in charge.

"The big entertainers go to the big areas, such as FOB Anaconda and Baghdad, and we wanted to go to smaller FOBs and bring entertainment to those who might not get the chance to see those acts," he added.

The band, who specializes in many different styles of music, performed a long set of cover songs from some of today's top artist like Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson, along with rock songs from harder bands, such as Rage Against the Machine, said Moyer.

"This time around, we wanted to do some harder material," continued Moyer. "We've covered Rage Against the Machine and Drowning Pool, but we also have been performing old R&B like Tina Turner and Chaka Chan."

"Our set-list evolves from what we think the Soldiers want to hear in the field and from our own personal musical backgrounds," said Sgt. Joseph Krafft, 389th AMC. "Since we have people who like different types of music, we all influence the set-list in different ways."

"A lot of what our group performs also depends on the vocal styling's we have to work with from our singers," added Moyer. "We try to integrate as many genres of music into our set."

"We are a multi-functioning band," he continued. "We perform concerts, ceremonies and some of us break off to form jazz combos and other entertainment group. We have rock groups, country bands and other groups, all to entertain the Soldiers who give their all everyday."

Raw Material, who consists of percussion, brass, keyboards and electric guitars, played for hours to a crowd of dancing Soldiers. Their mission to entertain and raise the morale of the Soldiers was achieved.

"It was entertaining," said Pfc. Lucas Shawgo, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 6-9 ARS. "It brought some needed morale out here and people were having a decent time relaxing and dancing. It was pretty good."
"It was nice to see entertainment at a small FOB," said Pfc. John Thomas, HHT, 6-9. "It seems like bigger FOBs always get the visitors so it was nice to have someone come out here and be recognized."

Both Soldiers agreed they liked that Raw Material mixed up their set-list, contributing different styles for different people.

"I liked that they mixed it up a lot," said Thomas. "They had something for everyone."

"I think it was pretty good that they played an assortment of music," added Shawgo. "Not everyone likes the same thing but they played something for everyone."

Both Moyer and Krafft said playing for the Soldiers is always a pleasure and one of the most fulfilling parts of their jobs.

"Coming out here and playing for those Soldiers who are out there everyday on convoys or conducting raids; it's a great feeling," Moyer said. "Just to see them having fun, smiling and letting go a bit, it make the whole band feel great."

"We really try to bring joy to the Soldiers through our music," he added.

"This is the most important and most satisfying part of our job," said Krafft. "Coming out here and providing entertainment for those who are out on the front lines, it feels good. This is the best part of what we do."

• Date Taken: 01.14.2002
• Date Posted: 01.18.2007 11:42
• Story ID: 8848