Air Force Reserve Bands leave Dover on high note

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Veronica Aceveda
  • 512th Airlift Wing
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  From school assemblies to a national barbecue cook-off, three military bands played at various venues in Dover from Oct. 19 to 21 in support of Air Force Reserve Command objectives. 

Many of the free performances were designed to thank the community for their support of 512th Airlift Wing reservists. 

"We had more than 900 reservists activated at the beginning of the war, and several hundred are still serving in a volunteer status now," said Col. David H. Wuest, 512th AW vice commander. "We know they're able to perform their mission here at the base because of the outstanding support of their families and employers." 

Around 200 people showed up at the Schwartz Center to see "Full Spectrum" take the stage Oct. 20. The 13-piece jazz ensemble played original scores as well as several big-band favorites. 

"I get choked up with the patriotic songs," said Al Smith, a retired Air Force master sergeant who now volunteers his time at the base fitness center. "This performance was terrific; it brings tears to your eyes." 

The show-stopper came when Master Sgt. Kenneth Trimmins, the band's NCO in charge, shared a talent that was once showcased on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno - he played two trumpets simultaneously. 

For those who didn't make the Schwartz Center, others were able to see the bands at other locations. 

"Southern Aire," a Celtic rock band, appealed to both young and older audiences alike.
Performing first at a private school, about 400 4th through 8th graders, heard the different sounds of bagpipes and the electric guitar combined together. 

"That was the coolest show ever," said Patrick Lynn, 12. "I liked how it was Scottish and Irish all together." 

The gym teacher Becky Tatman said watching the Air Force band perform ranked as one of the top three school assemblies in her 36-year career at the school.
Next on tap for the band that performs in authentic Scottish regalia was a gig at the Milford Senior Center. 

"Most of them are veterans or are related to someone who is; so, I'm honored to play for them," said Master Sgt. Scott Gunn, Southern Aire NCOIC. "Watching these people have fun is the best part of entertaining." 

In addition to being a means to thank the community, the bands are also a means of recruiting. 

While the senior citizens themselves are out of the Reserve recruiting pool, Dover Air Force Base's In-service Recruiter, Tech. Sgt. Dawn Serakowski, said they are all influencers - to their children, grandchildren and neighbors. 

Without amplifiers and high tech sound boards, the touring Woodwind Quintet filled several arenas, including Salesianum High School, with the sounds of classical tunes from the opera "Carmen" and from the "Ragtime" era as well. 

"It was a great experience for the kids," said Brian Cox, the school's music director. "It's always good for them to hear professional-level musicians." 

In all, almost 7,000 people attended the scheduled performances around Dover and were exposed to the missions of the Air Force Reserve and the 512th Airlift Wing. Approximately 50,000 more tuned in to hear Southern Aire perform live on one of the area's hottest morning radio shows. 

Leaving Dover on a "high-note," the three ensembles headed back to their home base of Robins Air Force Base, Ga., where they'll receive their next assignments to entertain both stateside and in the war zone.