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 Aff airs

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. 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 fi nd 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.’”

Th e post sparked interest immediately. Within 24 hours they had enough interest to 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. Th rough 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. “Th ey (band members) just needed the opportunity to shine and bring their talents to the forefront so everybody could see what they’re

Second Lt. Kristin Rowe, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron section commander and Master Sgt. Mark Eyman, 944th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems supervisor, sing a song together July during the FreedomFest 4th of July celebration event at Luke Air Force Base. Rowe is a band member and has had an active role as the liaison between the band and the U.S. Air Force, while Eyman is a reserve citizen airman and one of the most experienced band members in the group.

Master Sgt. Melinda Charlton, 944th Force Support Squadron noncommissioned offi cer in charge of career development, sings July 1. Charlton is one of 24 U.S. Air Force active-duty members, reserve citizen airmen, spouses and Department of Defense civilians who have formed a musical group called the Fighter Country Talent Squad.

capable of doing.”

In just a few short weeks aft er the initial Facebook post, auditions and a couple practices the group already had a venue booked.

“We found out there were numerous events on base that can potentially utilize live music,” Teresa says. “Th e whole group had the opportunity to perform at the FreedomFest celebration.”

FreedomFest is an annual Fourth of July celebration event held on Luke AFB. It was the group’s fi rst big “gig” together where they all performed. One reserve citizen airman and band member shared his thoughts about the opportunity to play at the celebration.

“Playing for my fellow airmen and their families was a great experience,” says Master Sgt. Mark Eyman, 944th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems supervisor. “FreedomFest took me back to when I was a high schooler and I used to play gigs on base when my dad was active duty in the Air Force.”

Th e 24-member group, known collectively as the Fighter Country Talent Squad, is two bands. One band is called Soundwave, which plays an eclectic assortment of music genres including country and Disney-orientated music. Th e second band is named Terminal Leave, and it plays classic and modern hard rock.

Providing a creative outlet for people in the military with a passion or interest for music to come together is the top priority for the musical group.

“People mention Tops and Blue with nostalgia,” Teresa says. “Th ey miss it. We thought it would be wonderful if all the bases around the nation had one designated point of contact to say, ‘We are forming a music group. Anyone interested, come.’ It boosts morale and creates safe environments for people to express themselves musically.”

Tops and Blue was a song-and-dance troupe, which played a mixture of modern pop, classic rock and oldies. It toured and played at various U.S. Air Force installations before disbanding in 2016. “Th ere is something to be said about having an entertainment group that’s from the base you are at,” Eyman says. “You have that pride, like ‘those are our guys,’ and you’re more of a participant of your own entertainment.” Where and when the group will play next is undetermined; however, according to Rowe, they are expecting to perform at base events and the local community. “We are already forming new playlists, and everyone in the group is optimistic and excited to perform again.” Rowe says. Greenwood expresses his enjoyment in fi nding people with similar musical interests as well as playing his fi rst “gig.”

“I found the idea of joining other musicians with a passion for playing and creating music exciting,” Greenwood says. “I’ve never played in front of an audience before, so I defi nitely had some nerves leading up to and during the performance. But once we got on stage, it was really satisfying to be able to perform the songs we had worked so hard on and share them with the audience. Hopefully, people enjoyed listening to them as much as we enjoyed playing them.”