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Celtic Aire Continues to Inspire

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brian McCurdy
  • The USAF Band
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  Over the course of eight days in January, the recently deployed members of Celtic Aire performed for over 3,000 U.S. forces, civilians and foreign nationals in Iraq. Through their dynamic, entertaining and interactive musical presentations, they strive to improve the morale of U.S. forces deployed overseas. Performing 16 concerts in 8 days, Celtic Aire had very little time to catch their breath!

Major Keith Bland, the Officer-in-Charge of U.S. Air Forces Central Band, spoke highly of Celtic Aire's impact saying, "The group did a remarkable job of generating positive morale in widely varied performance venues."

Much of Celtic Aire's day-to-day schedule is driven by where they are needed the most. They are always prepared and willing to perform at any time. "They also seized the initiative by developing additional performances, taking music directly to service members whose job specialties hadn't allowed them to attend special events. Their versatility and positive attitudes were truly inspirational," Major Bland said.

January performances took place at Delta Base, Iraq; Echo Base, Iraq; as well as in Balad and Kirkuk. Celtic Aire members have performed in hospitals, dining facilities, basketball courts and anywhere else that the mission has required.

Many events are impromptu--even a cappella--depending upon the needs of the service members for whom they are performing. One such event took place at the hospital in Joint Base Balad. Since that particular unit's work schedule did not allow them to leave work and attend special events, Celtic Aire "strolled" through the hospital work areas--providing a very welcome break!

Members of Celtic Aire include Senior Master Sgt. Deborah Volker, Master Sgt. Eric Sullivan and Technical Sgts. Joseph Haughton, Emily Lewis and Julia Brundage. The group's sound engineer is Master Sgt. Mark Hannah.

This is just the beginning for the members of Celtic Aire, who are scheduled to be deployed to forward locations for several more weeks. We wish all of the members of Celtic Aire a safe return soon!