Military men and women not only fly, fight, march, ply the oceans but they also sing, are part of vocal groups, bands and orchestras and do that well, too.
Music is an important part of military life. Service bands and vocal groups have a strong tradition of performing at ceremonies, parades, concerts, festivals, and dances. Musicians and singers perform in service bands, orchestras, and small groups. They perform many types of music, including marches, classics, jazz, and popular music.
This weekend, some photos and videos of them doing just that.
Whatever you do, make sure you scroll to the end to watch a video about a young member of the United States Air Forces in Europe Band bringing joy to the hearts of so many children in Africa.
Enjoy!
Lt. Col. Michael Mench, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band commander, thanks the audience during a marching band performance in Kvareli, Georgia, Oct. 18, 2015. From Oct. 15-19, 33 bandsmen from the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band traveled to the Republic of Georgia for several events including performing in the inaugural International Military Bands Festival in Tbilisi. This is the first time in nearly 10 years that the USAFE Band has traveled to conduct a mission in the Republic of Georgia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Ryan Crane)
Members of Tops in Blue perform a show at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, Va., Oct. 6, 2015. The performance group is one of the oldest and most widely traveled entertainment groups of its kind. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kimberly Nagle)
Above and below: The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band takes the stage to a packed concert hall full of Georgian soldiers in Gori, Georgia, Oct. 15, 2015. From Oct. 15-19, 33 bandsmen from the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band traveled to the Republic of Georgia for several events including performing in the First International Military Bands Festival in Tbilisi. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Ryan Crane)
Below: US Air Force Europe band concert at Gori Georgia
“From the glaciers in Northern Europe to the tip of Africa, the United States Air Forces in Europe Band brings joy to the hearts of thousands. Watch as Senior Airman Mark Wheeler experiences something he’ll never forget” (below)
Lead photo: Tops in Blue performs a free concert for the military and civilian community Oct. 20, 2015, at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center in North Charleston, S.C. Tops in Blue is an all active-duty Air Force expeditionary entertainment unit composed of 35 to 40 of the most talented vocalists, musicians, dancers and technicians. The primary purpose of the group is to entertain military personnel and their families around the world, raise morale and educate and inspire audiences on topics such as resiliency and social issues through musical performances. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Clayton Cupit)
Photos and captions: DOD
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.