Photo By Sgt. Aaron Ellerman | Capt. Richard Winkels, U.S. Army Central music liaison officer looks through...... read more read more
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RIYADH, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Two figures stand in a room after meeting for the first time, abundantly contrasted through culture, language and appearance, clearly representing opposite sides of the world. The camouflage adorning them, although different in color and pattern, is seemingly the only similarity. Together the figures move to study the many dots and symbols strewn about the lines of a manuscript laying on the nearby table. Intently motioning to one another through gestures and elated expressions, it is apparent they share the same passion and understand a familiar language, a universal language, music.
Capt. Richard Winkels, U.S. Army Central music liaison officer, and Col. Sultan M. Al Moneef, director of the Royal Saudi Land Forces music department, met for the inaugural, bi-lateral music engagement between U.S. and Saudi military forces at the RSLF music facility in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 18.
"We may not speak a common language, but there is a universal language in music," said Winkels.
The RSLF music department invited Winkels to collaborate on musical initiatives and provide insight and guidance to help further their curriculum and build their program.
"This event was very important to us, because it allows the U.S. Army to share their
experiences and expertise with us so we can implement what we like into our program
here," said Moneef.
"They have a strong curriculum and foundation, and I am glad to provide them with
insight into how we operate so that it may help to accomplish their goals," said Winkels.
USARCENT has been partnering with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through several
programs for many years however, this meeting marked the first time that a U.S. Army
musician has worked directly with KSA Soldiers in Saudi Arabia.
"We're able to collaborate and exchange ideas on how we implement music into our
militaries which is paramount because music is an important part of the military; it
preserves the heritage and tradition and represents the greatness of ones’ military from an
auditory standpoint," said Winkels.
Music plays a key part in most militaries around the world and its significance is
illustrated on the U.S. Army Flag. Music has been involved in battle for centuries, to
intimidate the enemy and encourage combatants, and has been used to assist in
organization and timing of actions in warfare. It has kept troops motivated during long
marches and during times of hardship.
"Music is important in the military because it displays our spirit and pride to the public
and increases morale within the organization," said Moneef.
The RSLF music department gave Winkels a tour of the facilities and briefed him on
their operations and goals during his visit. RSLF musicians also surprised Winkles and
the U.S. entourage with several group and solo performances showcasing their talents.
"I get excited being around these Soldiers and seeing their pride and passion for music
which sends a message to whoever they're engaging," said Winkels.
The two music departments are keen on future engagements and plan to continue this
new partnership.
"Music should not be an exception in our partnership with the U.S. Army and these
experiences today and in the future will help us grow professionally," said Moneef.
The two had a passion for music and military duty, which united them despite their
obvious differences.
"Music has no borders. I believe that it brings people together and encourages them to
bond and work collectively through cultural differences," said Moneef.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 09.30.2016 04:18 |
| Story ID: | 210979 |
| Location: | RIYADH, SA |
| Web Views: | 132 |
| Downloads: | 4 |
This work, A 'Note'worthy Engagement, by SGT Aaron Ellerman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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