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AF Reserve band brings holiday cheer to veterans

  • Published
  • By Peter Chadwick
  • Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve launched 10 musicians on trips to bring songs of joy to former servicemembers at four veteran's hospitals in Georgia and Alabama Dec. 14 and 15.

Veterans entering the Birmingham Veterans Administration Medical Center, Birmingham, Al., and the Atlanta VAMC, Decatur, Ga., were welcomed by Airman 1st Class Jill Diem, vocalist, and Tech. Sgt. John Link, keyboards, rendering seasonal favorites as "The Christmas Song" and "Jingle Bells."

While the tuneful two were greeting folks at the door, their colleagues in the Clarinet Quartet were at the other end of the center, lifting the spirits of the hospital's long-term care patients with "Sleigh Ride" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer."

"The residents really enjoy it when groups come through," said Veronica Reynolds, nurse manager for the Atlanta VAMC Community Living Center. "They will be talking about this for days."

The patients' enjoyment was not lost on the band members.

"They are always so thankful that we take time to bring some Christmas cheer," said Amy Moran, a trumpet player with the Brass Quartet that visited the Carl Vinson and Charlie Norwood veteran's centers in Dublin and Augusta., Ga., respectively.

"It is really a wonderful way to experience the true spirit of Christmas with those people whose service has ensured that we can celebrate it freely."

As freely as the ensembles gave, they freely received from their veteran audiences.
"Most sing along to their favorite carols and everyone has a favorite Christmas song that they want to hear," said Moran, a 10-year veteran of Air Force bands.

Singing along wasn't enough for Charles Mason, a resident at Atlanta. He was directing from the back of the room.

"I orchestrated choir music for churches before I started having health problems," said the U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran.

Mason was one of several patients who stayed behind and visited with the band members before they left.

It was during this time of fellowship that the patients gave the Airmen a little something to take with them.

"I really enjoy talking with them," said Airman 1st Class Charlan Mueller, a clarinet player. "They have so many great stories that would otherwise be lost. They have a lot of history."
Reynolds would like to see the history of the band's visit repeat itself.

"We hope to see them again next year."