RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Members of the United States Air Forces in Europe Band ensemble, Touch ‘n Go, performed for Airmen and members of the Forces Armées Nigeriennes at Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger, March 10, 2017.
More than half the base showed up to one of the first morale events provided to entertain Airmen who endure the diverse conditions of Africa and complete the base’s mission.
“The Airmen were very excited, and you don’t get that very often out here in such an austere location,” said Lt. Col. Marlyce Roth, 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron commander. “It was a lot of hard work by services to get the band out here, and I think the Airmen appreciated it.”
While the Airmen deployed to Niger AB 201 appreciated the band’s performance, the band members also enjoyed their opportunity to play for the Airmen and the host nation attendees.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to play for the Airmen and local nationals to boost morale and help build their partnership capacity,” said Master Sgt. Michele Harris, NCO in charge of Touch ‘n Go. “The turnout of Airmen was incredible and after the show some came up to us and thanked us for the performance.”
It is through engagements such as these performances that allow Air Force personnel to connect with people from different cultures and strengthen relations through cultural diplomacy.
“The performances we have at remote locations like Agadez are the ones that mean the most,” said Harris. “We brought together the local nationals and US personnel through music, and judging by the dancing and singing of those in the crowd, everyone had a great time.”