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Airmen musicians perform for Air Chiefs Visit

  • Published
  • By Technical Sgt. Brandon Chaney
Washington, D.C. --  During the month of April, the Pacific Air Chiefs visited Joint Base Andrews during a whirlwind trip to several U.S. Air Force bases as part of the 2014 PACAF Air Chief Symposium. The Symposium brought together the top Air Force leadership from numerous Asian-Pacific countries to discuss defense, security and international issues throughout the region. Air Chiefs from various countries including Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Mongolia, Vietnam, Chile, Sri Lanka, Nepal, New Zealand and the U.S. took part in the symposium, which began at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and took them to several locations outside Hawaii including Joint Base Andrews, Md.

Kicking off the event once they arrived in the Washington, D.C., area, the Ceremonial Brass welcomed the chiefs at the Air Force Memorial on Tuesday, April 1. "The PACAF Air Chief Symposium is usually held at the same time every year. For us, it's a wonderful way to kick-off the spring and summer ceremonial season by showing such prestigious guests a truly professional display of U.S. Air Power," stated Chief Master Sgt. Ed Teleky, chief of Operations for The U.S. Air Force Band.

The Brass began the day with an intense rehearsal and inspection at Hangar 2, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and ended in the late afternoon with the Air Chiefs laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solder at Arlington National Cemetery. "For every event, particularly a high-profile one such as this, every note must be perfect, instrument shined, and uniform clean, pressed and absolutely flawless," stated Drum Major Senior Master Sgt. Scott Hinds.

That evening one of the Band's small ensembles, Silver Wings, performed for a dinner hosted by the chief of staff of the Air Force at his residence. Formed in 2013, the group is comprised of seven Airmen musicians from three flights within The United States Air Force Band. This group was created to provide protocol support at the high-level military functions such as this event.

All of the Band's Airmen musicians are always truly humbled and honored to be a part of events hosting such an illustrious group of military leaders from all over the globe. Through these world-class events, they continue to help create bonds between the United States and the worldwide community. Using music to bridge language, cultural, societal and socio-economic differences, their performances advance international relationships and inspire positive and long-lasting impressions of the U.S. Air Force and the United States of America.