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John Elchert: Thanks, Academy Winds, Vets

  • Published
  • By John Elchert
  • Publisher, The Daily Times
Farmington, New Mexico --  The United States Army. The United State Navy. The United States Marine Corps. The United States Coast Guard. The United States Air Force.

The United States Armed Forces.

They serve us. They protect us. They defend our freedoms.

As we saw Friday night at the Farmington Civic Center, they do much more than that.

Veterans Day 2011 turned out to be something very special. Being 11/11/11 made it unique to begin with, but the performance by the United States Air Force Academy's Academy Winds band made it a day to remember.

This group of six very talented musicians put on a show that thrilled the audience. All of them played multiple instruments. They sang. They joked with each other and the audience. They even threw in some Irish clog dancing. Bottom line: They entertained.

Over the years I've had the privilege of hosting various military bands, from the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps. Each of those performances was by large groups of musicians, some accompanied by a choral group. This was the first small group I've had the pleasure to host for a community performance.

To be honest, I approached the performance with some trepidation. Would I be disappointed with the size of the group? Would the group be large enough to captivate the audience as past groups had? Would the community be happy with the performance?

I attended the concert Thursday evening in Shiprock to meet the band members and support the efforts of Mark Amo, director of The Phil! and his efforts in bringing the band to our communities. Within minutes of meeting the band members I knew they were a class act. No surprise there as they are among the nation's finest.

The performance they put on for the crowd in Shiprock was outstanding. Within minutes I was feeling guilty for doubting whether this group would provide the class act I was accustomed to. Simply put they wowed the crowd.

Knowing that a full house was expected in Farmington on Friday, 11/11/11, Veterans Day, I felt something special was in the works.

The crowd arrived early and filled the lobby of the Civic Center, waiting for the doors to open. What surprised me, actually impressed me, was the number of vets and service personnel that showed up in uniform. Those that I spoke with exhibited pride in their service to our country.

What amazed me most was seeing a few World War II vets in their old uniforms. I didn't get the opportunity to talk with them, for which I apologize, but one could see their pride and the strut in their step.

To me, the performance we were treated to was among the best I've ever experienced. These six talented members of the USAF known as The Academy Winds were simply incredible musicians, performers and entertainers. They thrilled the crowd, but more importantly, paid tribute to a very special group -- our Veterans.

The United States Air Force. They fight for us, defend our freedoms and serve us. Now as we have seen, they also entertain us, inspire us, and uplift us.

After the performance the band members remained in the lobby signing autographs, being photographed and talking with community members until the last person was gone. They made sure to chat with each and every person that approached them.

I also had the pleasure of talking with many in the audience after the show. To a person everyone had the same comments: They were appreciative that we were able to bring the Academy Winds to San Juan County; they were awed by the talent and the performance; and they hoped that a return concert could be arranged.

It truly was a privilege that the USAF chose to come to our community and allow us to be their host. We are grateful to have partnered with the Phil! and the Farmington Civic Center in the use of their facilities.

The members of Academy Winds expressed their gratitude to our communities for such a warm and enthusiastic welcome. They, too, suggested that a return visit to Farmington would be welcomed. One point that they emphasized was that audience comments were a factor in determining future tour cities.

If you enjoyed the performance and would like to see San Juan County included on future tours, please drop me a note. I will compile all notes and letters and forward along with a request for an encore performance.

11/11/11, Veterans Day 2011, truly was a day to remember.

Thanks Academy Winds! Thanks veterans! Thanks for a job well done.