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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Jan 5, 2009 - 8:24:33 PM |
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| The 82nd Airborne Division%u2019s All American Chorus performed for Paratroopers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Jan. 13, 2007, at Contingency Operations Base Speicher, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Joshua R. Ford (released) |
Blackanthem Military News, CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS BASE SPEICHER, Iraq — A resonance rang throughout the 3rd Brigade Combat Team Headquarters Jan. 13, 2007, as combat boots tapped in time and hands clapped to the be-boppin’ rhythm of “Rockin’ Robin”, a song made famous by Bobby Day in the 1950s.
A quintet of Paratroopers stood in a gaggle in front of a neat row of chorus members - baritones, basses and tenors. They snapped their fingers, whistled and choreographed along with the energetic tune as if to revive the spirit of Motown. This was the 82nd Airborne Division’s All American Chorus, entertaining deployed Paratroopers.
Division’s chorus arrived in December to motivate the Paratroopers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. They performed patriotic songs, such as American Soldier, originally recorded by country music star Toby Keith, as well as the All American Song and others.
For nearly 30 days, the chorus has traveled to many of the forward operating bases where 3rd Brigade Combat Team Paratroopers are serving.
“Traveling around, we are able to give units a little piece of home,” said Pfc. Michael Ortiz, baritone in the 82nd Airborne Division’s All American Chorus. “We’re also showing the Paratroopers that the people back home support what they’re doing over here.”
“(The Chorus) boosts morale like you could not believe,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant Lambert, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.
“It gets me fired up every time (the chorus) performs and a lot of people feel the same way,” said Maj. Hugh Bair, 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s operations officer.
“We get very encouraging responses when we come out here to perform,” said Spc. Allen Ronney, baritone, 82nd Airborne Division Chorus. “Everybody seems to love the stuff we do.”
The All American Chorus is always on the move and ready to perform for Paratroopers wherever they may be, said Ronney.
“Where ever the 82nd is — that’s where we go,” said Ortiz.
The performances always end traditionally with a song very familiar to the Paratroopers and former Paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division.
“Put on your boots, boots, boots and parachutes, chutes, chutes, we’re going up, up, up, we’re coming down, down, down,” was the tune sung by the All American Chorus.
The crowd traditionally stood at attention, singing along to the 82nd Airborne Division’s song — a tune which reminds all Paratroopers of their proud Airborne heritage.
The group’s next stop is Afghanistan, where they will do what they do best; sing songs that uplift, encourage and motivate the deployed Paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Sgt. James Johnson, baritone in the 82nd Airborne Division%u2019s All American Chorus, leads the chorus in a choreographed marching cadence at the introduction of the performance Jan. 13, 2007, at Contingency Operations Base Speicher, Iraq. The chorus visited 3rd Brigade Combat Team to entertain the deployed Paratroopers. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Joshua R. Ford (released) |
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| The 82nd Airborne Division%u2019s All American Chorus performed for Paratroopers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Jan. 13, 2007, at Contingency Operations Base Speicher, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Joshua R. Ford (released) |
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