VANDERBIJLPARK, South Africa -- U.S. Air Forces in Europe rock band, Touch 'n Go, performs during a show for students and instructors at Northern University here, Sept. 19. The band, Touch 'n Go, has made three performances in local communities across South Africa and will be performing at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition Sept. 22-23 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days. The band is committed to fortifying international relationships, fostering trust and friendships, and enhancing troop morale. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson)
CULLINAN, South Africa -- Staff Sgt. Samuel Kennedy, U.S. Air Forces in Europe rock band bassist, performs during a show for students and instructors of the Cullinan Field Band here, Sept. 18. The band, Touch 'n Go, has made three performances in local communities across South Africa and will be performing at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition Sept. 22-23 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days. Touch 'n Go is committed to fortifying international relationships, fostering trust and friendships, and enhancing troop morale. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)
CULLINAN, South Africa -- Staff Sgt. Matthew Peacock, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band keyboardist, sings back-up vocals while performing a show for students and instructors of the Cullinan Field Band here, Sept. 18. The band, Touch 'n Go, has made three performances in local communities across South Africa and will be performing at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition Sept. 22-23 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)
CULLINAN, South Africa -- Staff Sgt. Robert Browning, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band drummer, thanks children from the Cullinan Field Band after performing a joint drum solo during a performance here, Sept. 18. The band, Touch 'N Go, performed three shows in communities across South Africa and will be performing at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition Sept. 22-23 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)
VANDERBIJLPARK, South Africa -- Tech Sgt. Nick Wellman, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band, Touch 'n Go audio technichian, monitors the sound board while other members of the band perform for students and instructors of the Northern University here, Sept. 19. The band, Touch 'n Go, has made three performances in local communities across South Africa and has been invited to perform at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition Sept. 22-23 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days. This year’s exposition is one of the world’s premier aerospace and defense events, which is expected to draw in crowds of more than 50,000 visitors per day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)
VANDERBIJLPARK, South Africa -- Tech. Sgt. Jason Cale, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band lead guitarist and vocalist, thanks the audience after completing a show for students and instructors of North-West University here, Sept. 19. The band, Touch 'n Go, has been invited to perform at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition Sept. 22-23 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days. This year’s exposition is one of the world’s premier aerospace and defense events, which is expected to draw in crowds of more than 50,000 visitors per day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)
CULLINAN, South Africa -- Staff Sgt. Robert Browning, U. S. Air Forces in Europe Band percussionist, plays the drums with members of the De Beers PPC Cullinan Field Band drumline during a performance here, Sept. 18. The band, Touch 'n Go, has made three performances in local communities across South Africa and will be performing at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition Sept. 22-23 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days. This year's exposition which is free and open to the public is expected to draw 50,000 visitors each day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)
by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart
U.S. Air Forces Africa Public Affairs
9/22/2012 - WATERKLOOF AIR FORCE BASE, South Africa -- The U.S. Air Forces in Europe rock band, Touch 'n Go, performed in local communities here and will be making appearances during the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition, Sept. 22-23.
The band will perform at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days of the exposition which will be free and open to the public.
"Ultimately, what we aim to do abroad is to put a positive light on the United States, its military, and the American people," said Staff Sgt. Robert Browning, Touch 'n Go percussionist.
The U.S. military is participating in the exposition at the invitation of the South African government and aims to use this opportunity to increase the understanding of each other's capabilities, proficiencies and enhance our ability to work together.
"Having the band perform puts a face to the U.S., it's not overbearing and is a different way to communicate and open doors to new friendships," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Cale, Touch 'n Go lead guitarist and vocalist.
Touch 'N Go's performances included playing for the Cullinan Field Band and students from North-West University which gave the band an opportunity to show the South African people what the U.S. military is all about.
"It is important for the students to have a cultural experience and to interact with the military from the United States," said Karendra Devroop, North-West University director of the school of music. "The students benefited from being able to listen to the military band because it shows them that there many opportunities for them."
These performances give band members a unique opportunity to show a different side of the U.S. and its military through a language of their own -- music.
"Music has no barriers or boundaries and is a great way to make friends," said Cale. "This show gives us the opportunity to strengthen existing relationships through our music."
Touch 'n Go is made up of five musicians and technicians from the U.S. Air Force who combine their talent to entertain audiences. The band is committed to fortifying international relationships, fostering trust and friendships, and enhancing troop morale.
"We want people to know that we are part of the American military and we are here for them," said Browning. "We want them to remember us and stay connected with us."
This year's exposition is one of the world's premier aerospace and defense events, which is expected to draw in crowds of more than 50,000 visitors per day.
"We always hope to play in front of big groups because we want our message to reach everyone," Browning said.
Touch 'n Go will perform renditions of popular American songs to reach the hearts and minds of the members of the audience.
"Our music is a powerful tool, and I hope we can make a difference here," Browning said.
