Carolers bring gift of music to Kunsan

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The Holiday spirit arrived at Kunsan when an Air Force band vocal group performed acoustic carols around here, Dec. 11 and 12. 

The seven members of Pacific Trends are assigned to the Air Force band of the Pacific, stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan. 

"This is my first trip to Korea and it's been an awesome experience." Said Senior Airman Andrew Jones, a vocalist with Pacific Trends. "We have caroled at both [Kunsan and Osan Air Bases] this entire week and it has been an awesome experience to see how we positively impact troop morale at the bases from airmen all the way up to officers." 

Senior Airman Andres Aponte, 8th Comptroller Squadron, was amongst the Airmen impacted by Pacific Trend's live acoustic performance. 

"I was so hyped to see them here at my squadron," said Airman Aponte. "The songs really pumped me up because they reminded me of home and it brought that Christmas feeling and joy that I had growing up. It truly is a great thing that they are doing this because this can really cheer someone up after a long day of hard work." 

Wolf Pack Airmen were not the only ones on the group's list--which of course they checked twice--as the band ventured off base to sing for local nationals at Gunsan's City Hall and the Korean National Police Headquarters. They finished up their tour at Kunsan with a visit to the Republic of Korea Air Force's airmen on Kunsan. 

"I'm not sure they knew exactly what to think of us and what we were doing but everybody stopped, listened, smiled and were clapping at the end," said Master Sgt. Neill Herndon, Pacific Trends vocalist. "We got to shake a lot of hands and wish a lot of good folks a merry Christmas." 

Sergeant Herndon also noted the importance of Air Force community relations with the Korean Nationals. 

"We support public relations, community relations and outreach functions and we've also performed at Korean high schools," he said. "It doesn't matter if they understand our lyrics and it doesn't matter if they're familiar with our songs but they see us out there playing. We're sharing with them our emotional sentiments and that transcends everything. That transcends culture barriers, that transcends language barriers and what we are doing here is extending the hand of friendship and strengthening our cultural ties." 

"Friendships are increased by our gifts to each other," added Airman Jones. "We share ideas with military equipment and we also share band performances ... our musical gifts. Music is a part of our culture and so when we give our culture to our friends, to the Koreans, it does nothing but increase our relationship with them." 

The band is heading back to Japan to continue their tour and make sure they hit the troops with a little holiday cheer in Yokota, and in the spirit of the season Airman Jones offered advice for the holidays to come. 

"Continue to be a great wing man to your troops and also to your peers during this season," he said. "A lot of people are away from their families and this is an awesome time to show how much you care about the people you're working with and also just sharing the season with."