Soldiers honor veterans with local concert Published Nov. 20, 2012 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Few Americans have born the responsibility, sacrifice and honor that come with the title "veteran." But those who have, and those who support them and all for which they have stood, were treated to a special concert by the U.S. Army Field Band's Jazz Ambassadors at the Honeywell Center in nearby Wabash, Ind., Nov. 12. Prior to the concert the Grissom Community Council held a dinner, and the evening was formally kicked off by a presentation of the Colors by Soldiers from the 316th Tactical Psychological Operations Company, a U.S. Army Reserve unit stationed at Grissom. The Jazz Ambassadors, also known as America's Big Band, then went to work showcasing their many talents in a slew of patriotic songs in the packed venue. "I think if you were a veteran, or if you had any sense of patriotism, you had to leave there feeling good," said Hal Job, GCC Wabash regional director and U.S. Navy veteran. "It's always great when we can recognize our veterans." Job also said that the concert was especially moving for him and veterans as the performance brought back memories of camaraderie, pride and patriotism. "It really does bring it all back," he added. The Jazz Ambassadors are the official touring big band of the U.S. Army. The 19-member ensemble, formed in 1969, travels on tour for more than 100 days annually performing at formal public concerts, school assemblies, educational outreach programs, festivals, and radio and television events. According to their website, the Jazz Ambassadors use custom compositions and arrangements to highlight the group's creative talent and gifted soloists. Their diverse repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, vocals and patriotic selections. The night was also a memorable one for Spc. Fayne Lawson, Pfc. Michael Klingsmith and Pfc. Alexander Woodall, the 316th PSYOP Co. Soldiers who not only presented the Colors but also had dinner with the GCC and were able to take in the concert. "Going up and presenting the Colors is what it's all about because we are paying respect to the flag and all those who have served and given so much for it," said Klingsmith. "And, it's about paying that respect forward." The Army color guardsmen trained and practiced repeatedly to make sure every detail was precise and every command was clear. "The more we're dead on with our movements, the more it shows we care about our nation and our veterans," added Klingsmith. The 316th PSYOP Co. is just one of three Army Reserve units stationed at Grissom and provides world-wide PSYOP support to conventional and special operations units, both in peace and war. Grissom is also home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, and a Marine Corps Reserve communications detachment. From Grissom, Soldiers, Marines and Airmen frequently deploy around the world in support of U.S. strategic objectives. Stay connected with Grissom on Facebook and Twitter.
