Air Force band builds relations in Peru

Staff Sgt. Daniel Plaster plays at a mall in Chiclayo, Peru. Sergeant Plaster, along with six other band members from the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest, were in Peru to support the Falcon and Condor 2007, a joint military exercise and air show that provides the U.S. Air Force the opportunity to work together and build relationships with military and civilian leaders of Peru. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Kerry Jackson)

Air Force band builds relations in Peru

The Air National Guard Band of the Southwest performs for a Peruvian audience at a mall in Chiclayo, Peru. The band is in Peru to support Falcon and Condor 2007, a joint military exercise and air show that provides the U.S. military the opportunity to work together and build relationships with military and civilian leaders of Peru. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Kerry Jackson)

Air Force band builds relations in Peru

Published March 21, 2007
By Tech. Sgt. Kerry Jackson
Air Force News Agency

CHICLAYO, Peru (AFNEWS) -- An Air Force regional band is on tour here sharing the Air Force story through music and entertainment while supporting Airmen participating in a joint military exercise and air show this weekend.

The Air National Guard Band of the Southwest, located at Port Hueneme Naval Station, Calif., is performing before thousands of Peruvians in support the U.S. Ambassador to Peru and the Falcon and Condor 2007, a joint military exercise that provides the U.S military the opportunity to work together and build relationships with military and civilian leaders of Peru.

"We are excited to be here," said Senior Airman Ryan Webb, the band's tuba player. "It's great when we can personally showcase the U.S. Air Force and our music to people."

The seven-member band, which plays a key role in cultivating positive relations with many communities interacting with Air Force units, are playing an ensemble of Dixieland music on the tour.

A notable stop on the tour was a "gig" at the Bi-National Center opening in which the band played for the Ambassador of Peru, James Curtis Struble, and an audience of more than 400 Peruvians.

On a number of stops during the tour, the band requested the Peruvian audience be active participants, often times asking the crowd to join in on a number of songs.

"The Peruvians are great a crowd to play for, and we appreciate the support they've been giving us during this tour, the joint exercise and air show," said Airman Webb

Twelfth Air Force and Air Forces Southern has participated in and provided support for Latin air shows for many years. The Falcon and Condor 2007 will be the first air show of the year for aircraft from 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern. The joint exercise and air show directly supports U.S. Southern Command's engagement goals and furthers relations between allied nations.