Appreciating community support with music

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Thomas Dow
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 91st Missile Wing showed its appreciation to the North Dakota communities of Ryder and Sawyer Sept. 4 and 5 with special performances by Night Wing, a popular, country music ensemble with the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band out of Offutt AFB, Neb. 

"We deploy Airmen in the missile complex right here in your community every day," said Col. Chris Ayres, 91st Missile Wing commander, to the audience in Ryder. "We continue to march on and execute the ICBM mission like generations of missileers, security forces and maintainers before us. We are here to serve you, and tonight we thank you for all your support." 

In Ryder, the 741st Missile Squadron, which oversees missile facilities in the surrounding area, sponsored Night Wing's performance for the community. Squadron volunteers set up tables and chairs in the school gym, grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and provided the chips, beverages and condiments. 

"This is a great opportunity to meet the people of Ryder, showcase our mission and, most importantly, say 'thank you' for their years of support," said Lt. Col. Debra Rose, 741st MS commander. 

Overall, approximately 150 people attended the concert - a large number considering the Census population of Ryder is about 100 and this is harvest time for the area. 

"I was glad to see the turnout," said Debbie Peterson, who helped organize the event for Ryder. "I'm pleased so many people attended." 

One of them, Patty Johnson, drove from Roseglen, about 20 miles from Ryder, to listen to Night Wing perform hits by Sugarland, Matchbox 20 and Keith Urban. 

"They (Night Wing) were wonderful," she said. "This was awesome. I could've listened to them all night." 

It was nice of the Air Force to remember small towns, added another resident. 

The same sentiment proved true the following evening in Sawyer, where more than 200 people - including some from Minot - gathered in the school gym to hear the five-member ensemble perform courtesy of the 740th MS. 

Col. Michael Spencer, 91st MW vice commander, started off the concert by stressing what an awesome responsibility the 91st MW has and how the wing does not take its mission lightly. 

"We strive every day to make sure we are safe, secure and reliable," said Colonel Spencer to the audience in Sawyer. "We are proud to do that, and we are proud to do that in your community." 

Adding how much the 91st MW appreciated all the support from Sawyer, Colonel Spencer said bringing Night Wing to the community was just a small way to say 'thank you.' 

"We share their talents with you," he said. 

However, it wasn't just the 91st MW that recognized how special the communities around Minot AFB are. The members of Night Wing recognized it as well. 

"We play events in both large and small towns," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Manzi, band guitarist. "But playing here was really nice because we were able to see the faces of the folks in the community. We were able to sit down and talk to them during dinner. It made it special because everyone was so nice and thankful." 

Senior Airman Josh Voyles, band audio engineer, also noted how much the small-town hospitality meant to him. 

"I actually grew up in a very small town," he said. "I love playing these smaller venues because it not only feels like home, but I know it helps build community relations as well." 

Throughout the concerts, the audiences showed their enthusiasm by clapping, dancing and singing along with the music. However, it was the reaction to the final song that showcased what North Dakota patriotism is all about. 

As soon as Night Wing started playing "God Bless America," the entire audience in both Ryder and Sawyer immediately and simultaneously stood up to show their respect. The action wasn't planned or coordinated ahead of time. It was something the members of Night Wing said they had never seen before. 

As Lt. Col. William Klug, 740th MS commander, noted, this is why the 91st MW is thankful to be part of the surrounding communities. 

"I have nothing but great things to say about this community," he said. "Without their support, we couldn't do this job."