Photo By Staff Sgt. Matthew Foster | U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean M. Castilla, commander of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence...... read more read more
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BEMOWO PISKIE, Poland – From the earliest records, music has played a pivotal role in battle. From the Roman military musicians to current armies around the world, military musicians perform various functions essential to the morale and support of troops deployed or at home.
It was a magical experience for the soldiers assigned to the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland and the U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (3-8 CAV), 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), when the 1 ID Band conducted a winter holiday performance in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Dec. 2, 2022.
“It was amazing, I really wasn't expecting what I saw tonight,” said U.S Army Pfc. Clendon Baird, an M1 armor crewman and M1A1 tank gunner with Alpha Company, 3-8 CAV, 3-1 ABCT. “It really took my mind away from whatever's going on over here.”
The 1st Infantry Division Band is a musical ambassador for the deployed fighting force, and contributes to the morale and support of the American Soldier.
“It's very important to perform for the troops because not only does it bring morale to our troops, but also shows that the United States Army supports their overseas troops in many different ways, not just providing them the resources they need to thrive but also find them some forms of entertainment, forms of morale building, and just hearing the music here can bring some motivation as well,” said U.S. Army Spc. Erie Liang, an Army musician and clarinet player assigned to the 1 ID.
The 1 ID performance brought the attention of local media outlets to cover the event, one who felt the importance of showcasing the soldiers experiencing the occasion.
“I would like to see the reaction of the soldiers that are on this mission thousands of miles away from home,” said Andrzej Będzie, a videographer with TVN24, a subsidiary of Discovery Plus. “I want to share that to my audience, to show that the music can bring a sense of home.”
Historically, military music elements were relied upon to entertain troops, reposition troops during battle, and raise the spirits of troops on to victory.
“A lot of people are going through things, especially being deployed, being separated from family, and this was a great morale booster,” said Staff Sgt. Alton Whipple, battalion administration non-commissioned officers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Command, 3-8 CAV, 3-1 ABCT. “Having these Soldiers come here and perform for us brings up morale, boosts our spirits, and helps us focus on the mission and why we are here.”
Raising the morale of soldiers while they are away from family and friends during the holidays, raises the spirits of both the performing artists and the audience.
“I think we're definitely getting into a point of the year where things get a little tough with being away from families, being away from friends and having some taste of home come to us is a big morale boost,” said U.S. Army Spc Mark Northup, an Army musician and saxophone player assigned to the 1 ID. “I know personally for me, just getting out there playing the music is a big morale boost and I would hope it helps the soldiers as well.”
Performing for soldiers, especially for those deployed overseas, brings a sense of purpose and honor to those whose mission is to raise the morale and spirits of troops.
“For me personally, I can see that being away from family is quite tough for the troops,” said Liang. “So to perform for the troops here, bringing a sense of home to those who are overseas means quite a lot to me.”
Liang expressed the effect performing for the troops has on his own morale.
“It feels good to me, and I hope it feels amazing to the audience as well,” said Liang.
The mission of the U.S. Army Band is to help connect the Army with the American people, representing the heroic men and women who stand around the world in defense of our freedom.
“Performing for the troops is a very special way to build connections that normally is very difficult to do,” said Northup. “Music has a way of bringing people together, and it's always special to see that connection and the impact in a crowd's demeanor when they walk in and when they walk out.”
The performance by the 1 ID exemplified the power of music to build connections and camaraderie between U.S. Soldiers and their Allied partners of the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland.
“Music not only strengthens the morale for our own Soldiers, but it brings us closer with other nations,” said Northup. “We also are building interoperability between us, Allied and partner nations through the power of music.”
| Date Taken: | 12.02.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 12.06.2022 11:52 |
| Story ID: | 434580 |
| Location: | BEMOWO PISKIE, PL |
| Web Views: | 140 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Fighting First Brings Holiday Magic to eFP Battle Group Poland, by SSG Matthew Foster, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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