Airmen thank veterans on Armed Forces Day

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Paul Dean
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD ARB, FLA --  The room quickly flushed with residents as patriotic music drew them from other parts of the Miami Florida Veterans Administration Retirement Facility May 20. 

The Air Force Reserve Band Brass Quintet—touring the South Florida area as part of Military Appreciation Month, and hosted by the 482nd Fighter Wing here—soon had a couple of dozen happy veterans bobbing heads and tapping toes. The inspiration behind the concert was to honor those who sacrificed so that others may enjoy freedom. 

“We are here to honor you, because it is because of your sacrifice that each of us has the opportunity to serve,” Senior Airman Tom Salyers, one of the band members, said to the audience.

Mr. Abe Hamber, an Army veteran, said the concert reminded him that he’s part of something bigger.

“I feel so good now. I feel good because we are all one big family here; we were all in the military,” Mr. Hamber said.

The patriotic music and military marches brought back memories of days gone by for some in the audience. For former Army Private Jonnie Postell it reminded him of the day he landed on American soil, having returned from the Korean War.

“This made me remember the day I got of the ship. I remember the feeling of the bag across my shoulder and then kissing the ground, happy and thankful that I was home,” Mr. Postnell said.

It’s this kind of outcome that the band hopes for when it plays to audiences of veterans.

Staff Sgt. Mike Andrew, noncommissioned officer in charge of the band for this trip, looks forward to playing for veterans and said that every member of the band has the same viewpoint.

“We always know that it’ll be a good crowd. The veterans are a very appreciative audience and thank us for what we do. You can’t ask for much more than that in this job,” said Sergeant Andrew.

Ms. Regina Wexler, a retired Army SP-7, was fired up at the end of the performance.

“Nothing can stop the Army and Air Force,” she said excitedly. “I’ve never really experienced a [brass ensemble] before, but I can tell you it was my pleasure listening to these men,” she added.

“This is definitely the best type of gig we do,” said Airman Salyers. “You can look into the audience and maybe notice somebody who’s kind of relaxed. Then we play that person’s service song and all of a sudden the person is standing tall, saluting. It’s a great audience,” he added.

Three ensembles of the Air Force Reserve Band played nine concerts in the area May 18 - 20.  Audiences included families at the Miami Children’s Museum, Shoppers at the Prime Outlet and festival goers at the Homestead Armed Forces Day. Each of the concerts was free and designed to complement other Military Appreciation Month activities nationwide.