The sound of Japan-U.S. relations: Joint Concert 2010

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The sound of Japan-U.S. relations: Joint Concert 2010

Posted 11/26/2010 Updated 11/26/2010

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11/26/2010 - Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Packard, a member of the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia, performs with the Akishima Youth Brass Band Nov. 23, 2010, during a Japan-U.S. joint concert in Akishima, Japan. Officials with the North Kanto Defense Bureau hosted the concert to enhance bilateral relations among U.S. servicemembers, dependents and neighbors of Yokota Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Osakabe Yasuo)

Comments

11/30/2010 11:12:56 AM ET
As a 20 year veteran of the AF Band program I can tell you that concerts like this do a great deal to promote goodwill. Diplomacy is no less important now than it ever was. That being said...I will say that bands exist and are run with ONE purpose in mind. And that is to appease the ego of whoever is in command of that band at the time. Bands waste money and engage in unnecessary drama to an extent that most would not believe. And I will warn all of them that they have a shock beyond belief waiting for them in the business world when their gravy train comes to an end.

MSgt F V - retired, Ireland

11/30/2010 9:49:50 AM ET
President Obama wants to freeze federal civilian pay for the next two years. Secretary Gates wants to slash the DoD's budget by approximately 100 Billion. And the AF has shed approximately 30K airmen since 2004. I wholeheartedly agree with Caveman. Get rid of the bands and transfer the manpower to where it is needed the most.

Todd, Fort Rucker

11/29/2010 11:29:18 PM ET
Sure the arts are not a waste of money. But when the artists are Airmen it becomes a waste of money. The Air Force is getting smaller and smaller. Everything in the Air Force has shrunk over the last ten years. But we have not gotten rid of any of these bands. We need to put manpower where it is needed the most and that is not in bands all over the world. Get rid of the bands and transfer the manpower to where it is needed the most.

Caveman, Bedrock

11/29/2010 2:56:51 PM ET
Each time I've seen the different military bands I am amazed at the talent we have in our ranks. A few of our band members easily have talent enough to put them at the level of any other artist out today. Just because you don't like the music doesn't mean it is a waste. The type of music may not be your cup of tea but they have talent none the less. I'd suggest you see them perform if you have the chance

rcr81, Minot

11/29/2010 1:50:51 PM ET
Agree with F-Dizzle. We are borrowing their land to defend America and assert our global reach and power. Spending a little money on a concert is nothing in comparison.

Micah, Columbus AFB MS

11/29/2010 10:08:14 AM ET
Never a waste of money when it comes to the arts. Music brings people together. It doesn't have a language barrier.

F-Dizzle, Bagram AF

11/28/2010 1:42:25 AM ET
Sounds like money being wasted to me. Yet another band we do not need.

Caveman, Bedrock

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