Task Force Logfire celebrates July 4 with food, exercise and talent

Photo By Sgt. Edwin Rodriguez | Capt. Reginald Brownlee’s Michael Jackson impersonation during his performance at the ‘Shindand’s Got Talent’ talent show on Shindand Airbase July 4, won him first prize during the event. Brownlee, the logistics officer for the 298th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Task Force Resolute his dance moves and lip sinking routine to Michael Jackson’s ‘Billy Jean’ was the audience favorite of the night.  

SHINDAND AIR BASE, AFGHANISTAN

07.04.2011

Story by Sgt. Edwin Rodriguez 

7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary)

SHINDAND AIRBASE, Afghanistan - Celebrating the holidays away from friends and family can be difficult. However, soldiers in western Afghanistan make the best of things by having a little fun and taking pride in celebrating an important holiday in United States’ history.

The 298th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Task Force Resolute celebrated Independence Day with a 5-kilometer run or walk, barbecue and talent show on Shindand Airbase, July 4.

With the help of volunteers from other military branches and retired Air Force Tech Sgt. Frank Stinson, the center manager for USO Shindand, the 298th CSSB was able to create a fun environment to celebrate Independence Day.

“We wanted to get soldiers out of their normal routine to celebrate a national holiday together. It may not be home but we hope they can still have fun and remember this day,” said Sgt. 1st Class Bonnie Hughes, a Task Force Logfire support operations non-commissioned officer.

The first event of the day was the 5-k run and walk, which covered a sizable portion of SAB. The event doubled as a fund raiser to bring in donations to the Wounded Warrior program of Miss., where the 298th CSSB, an Army National Guard unit, calls home.

“I am usually a big runner. I have run all the races since coming here to SAB in March,” said Cpl. Janet Godwin, an automated logistics specialist with the 183rd Transportation Company, TF-Logfire. “I was excited to do this once I heard in was on the fourth of July.”

The 183rd Trans. Company also hosted the battalion’s barbecue for Independence Day, a tradition many families enjoy back home on. Plenty of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken wings, hot dogs and sausages were available to feed all in attendance.

“It is hard to turn down a hotdog or hamburger, especially when its grilled,” said Stinson, originally from Ark.

For many soldiers the highlight of the day was the ‘Shindand’s Got Talent’ talent show held at the fire station on SAB. It was a competition open to service members and civilians on SAB who wanted to showcase their talent for recognition and prizes. There were ten performances that encompassed singing, guitar playing, rapping and some impersonation. Maj. Tony Crowe, support operations officer for the 298th CSSB, played guitar and sung songs from the Plain White T’s and The Who.

“I love to play guitar and I appreciate us [298th CSSB] and the USO working together to put on this event,” said the Petal, Miss., native. “I do miss home but I am proud to be serving my country.”

Winning the event after a enormous round of applause was Capt. Reginald Brownlee, originally from Carthage, Miss., and officer in charge of the logistics section of the 298th, with his impersonation of Michael Jackson performing the song ‘Billy Jean’.

“We wanted to put on a show for the troops, and I believe we did that,” said Stinson. “It’s an important for our country and many wished they were celebrating at home but we are here together so I am glad we were able to celebrate together.”

• Date Taken: 07.04.2011
• Date Posted: 07.08.2011 07:52
• Story ID: 73439
• Location: SHINDAND AIR BASE, AF