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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Feb 9, 2012 - 5:06:14 PM |
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Blackanthem Military News
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| Chief Warrant Officer 2 Fredrick Torres, C Co., 3-158 pilot, plays the violin during the United Service Organizations tour at Joint Base Balad. Torres was stationed here during his Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment and played violin in his free time. U.S. Army photo contributed by 3rd Battalion, 158 Aviation Regiment (Released) |
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - Shortly after arriving at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, a 3rd Battalion, 158 Aviation Regiment UH-60 Black Hawk pilot received a mission to fly members of the United Service Organizations tour throughout Iraq. The usual mission provided an unusual experience and jump start to the pilot's Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment.
While talking to a few of the tour members, the conversation turned to the fact that Chief Warrant Officer 2 Fredrick Torres, C Co., 3-158 pilot, was an experienced violin player.
"I showed up to the USO tour and they introduced me," said Torres, of Bronx, N.Y. "I got up there and didn't know what to expect."
Torres said he enjoyed the rare chance to play with the members of the tour in front of his fellow friends, Soldiers and leadership.
"I was pretty nervous, and then it was pretty freaking awesome," said Torres. "I had a great time that night."
The unit's executive officer, Maj. Bart Johnke, said Torres' performance at the USO show was a morale booster for both Torres and the rest of the unit.
"He legitimately sounded good and matched in with the band," said Johnke, of Centerville, S.D. "It was good to see, and he was a good representative for the unit."
Although Torres was spotlighted during the USO tour, he said he didn't play for recognition during his deployment; he played violin for the love of music.
"Music takes away from those days that don't go your way," said Torres. "It breaks up some of the monotony.
When not deployed, Torres, who has been playing violin for 21 years, wrote music for artists and clubs in the U.S. During his time Iraq, he placed his second job on hold, and refocused his musical talents and free time toward teaching and playing with friends.
"It's a different setting," said Torres. "It's not all business all of the time. To be doing both things of what I love at the same time, music and flying, I can't ask for anything else," he said.
The 3-158's chaplain, Capt. Bill Breckenridge, said between Torres' busy piloting schedule here, he was able to play violin at practice with the chapel's band, and because of his training in different styles of music, was able to mesh with the band's style.
"He's very talented, very good, very humble and very pleasant to work with," said Breckenridge, of Kingston, Texas. "I would love for him to play in the church band if his schedule permits it."
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Chief Warrant Officer 2 Fredrick Torres, C Co., 3-158 pilot, plays the violin during the United Service Organizations tour at Joint Base Balad. Torres was stationed here during his Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment and played violin in his free time. U.S. Army photo contributed by 3rd Battalion, 158 Aviation Regiment (Released) |
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| Chief Warrant Officer 2 Fredrick Torres, C Co., 3-158 pilot, poses next to a UH-60 Black Hawk. Torres was stationed at Joint Base Balad during his Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment. In his free time, he played violin and taught fellow Soldiers how to play the instrument. U.S. Army photo contributed by 3rd Battalion, 158 Aviation Regiment (Released) |
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Ken Olsen
08 Mar 2010, 15:40
Yeah Freddie! I have had the priviledge of playing professionally with
Officer Torres and he is a wonderful musician and human being. I was proud
to see him recognized in this article.
Keep up the great work guys!
Wilfredo Torres
06 Mar 2010, 12:38
Great job representing our country, hurrah for all our kids abroad. Keep up
the excellent work
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