F E AT U R E
Hidden Talents Luke airmen build resilience through music
Katie Babbitt, a military spouse, sings July 1 during the FreedomFest 4th of July celebration event at Luke Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photos by Master Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.)
BY MASTER SGT. LOUIS VEGA JR. 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs usic is a cultural aspect universally found in all human societies. It can transport an individual; spark emotions; and help people unwind from a long,
hard day. Hidden within communities are musicians who are waiting to share their musical talents with the world. A group of service members and dependents recognized their shared artistic connection and came together to form a musical group at Luke Air Force Base. Twenty-four U.S. Air Force active-duty members, reserve citizen airmen, spouses and Department of Defense civilians have formed a musical group called the Fighter Country Talent Squad. It all began with Lt.
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Col. Roger Greenwood, 944th Operations Group Detachment 2 director of operations, and his 28-year passion for playing the guitar. “Music has helped me through some long deployments, and now I use it regularly as a stress reliever,” Greenwood says. “I played recreationally for years, and in 2018, when I separated from active duty, I decided to dedicate more time to playing the guitar.” While listening to her husband play his guitar, Teresa Greenwood was convinced there were others in the community who shared her husband’s enthusiasm for music. She told her husband she wanted to try to form a band with him. “I went on social media to find people who were interested in a jam session,” Teresa says. “I put a simple message out on Facebook saying, ‘I’m putting a band together. Anyone interested let me know.’” The post sparked interest immediately. Within 24 hours they had enough interest to
Sound of Freedom | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
form a complete band but, according to Teresa, an unexpected thing happened. “More than three times the expected number of people contacted me looking to be part of what is now our music group,” Teresa says. Teresa spoke with her friend and neighbor, 2nd Lt. Kristin Rowe, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron section commander, about the idea of forming a band. Rowe responded by stating how wonderful it would be to provide stage time for the group. Through Rowe’s connections with the 56th Force Support Squadron from her previous position as the community services deputy, she made inquiries about the likelihood of getting a venue on base. “I knew of events that were happening throughout the year on base to get these folks stage time,” Rowe says. “They (band members) just needed the opportunity to shine and bring their talents to the forefront so everybody could see what they’re
