COMUSAFE visits Airmen downrange, spreads holiday cheer

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Chuck Roberts
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (USAFENS) --  The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander visited Airmen deployed to Afghanistan to thank them for what they do. He also brought along the USAFE popular music band Direct Hit to spread holiday cheer.

The high-quality blend of rock, pop and R&B delivered right on target as usual, but Gen. Tom Hobbins was pleased to discover from numerous conversations that while the music was hugely appreciated, deployed Airmen said the reward of their mission more than sustains their spirits.

"The Airmen I met downrange are just totally dedicated to the mission they're doing," General Hobbins said after concluding a Dec. 18-20 visit to Kabul and Kandahar. "Even though they're away from home and missing family members and loved ones, they all said they are glad to be a part of this joint team."

General Hobbins said Airmen were in good spirits because they know "their Air Force family is always there for them and they feel a sense of pride in what they are doing in Afghanistan.

"They're doing their turn to help the people of Afghanistan restore security and rebuild their country, and they're making a meaningful difference in the lives of so many people in Afghanistan. I'm very, very proud to serve with them," said General Hobbins.

The long-range words of thanks and high-speed musical accompaniment were especially appreciated by Senior Airman Lindsay Western, an Air National Guardsman from Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisc. Although her four-month tour as an information management specialist is coming to an end, her long journey to Kandahar remains vivid and deepened her appreciation for the journey conducted by her guests from Germany.

"That's amazing," she said of the band's 45-hour road trip for a one-hour gig. Almost immediately after touching down, the nine musicians set up in less than an hour and immediately kicked into high gear before a combined audience of U.S. Airmen and Soldiers as well as fellow servicemembers from England and Holland. After performing, the band broke down the set in about 15 minutes, downed a quick sandwich at the passenger service terminal, and soon departed aboard a C-17 to the next gig.

"It was a great time - something different and a good way to spend the holidays here in Kandahar," said Airman Western.

Her appreciation was echoed by Staff Sergeant Angelo Miranda, who described the visit by General Hobbins, USAFE Command Chief Master Sgt. Gary Coleman, and Direct Hit as "just one of those things we really appreciate, especially having them visit us during the holidays. We're sacrificing our time and so are they," said the Services Airman deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

Dragging nine musicians and more than 3,000 pounds of equipment across Turkey, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan has its challenges, admits Direct Hit keyboard player Tech. Sgt. Vinnie Dublino, but the band is honored by the opportunity.

"We've been downrange at Christmas time before and it always proves to be a rewarding experience because the crowds are so responsive. It's not an everyday thing to be entertained - especially a few days before Christmas," said Sergeant Dublino, who also serves as the band's noncommissioned officer in charge.

"It's all about knowing the end result, especially downrange. It's a fabulous experience. We complain about the hardship sometimes, but when I look back on my most memorable trips, it's trips like this one because of the crowds and the camaraderie."