An on-key Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Apryl Hall
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  He was just 9 years old when he discovered his love for music. Singing at church and in theater productions throughout his childhood, he knew he wielded musical talent at a young age. Music quickly became a prominent part of his life, and has continued to grow since his days in the church choir.

Today, Senior Airman David Gonzalez, 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron defender, has developed into a multi-talented musician. With fluent talents in guitar, piano, drums and singing, Gonzalez originally picked up the skill from his family.

"I am Puerto Rican and music does kind of run in our blood," Gonzalez said. "My dad plays the guitar, keyboard, accordion and other Puerto Rican instruments. He got me started and taught me the basic chords."

During family get-togethers music was always present, Gonzalez said. Whether it was his father playing the accordion at Christmas parties or his grandmother singing during afternoon Sunday brunch, there was no shortage of melody in his life.

Although his family may have been the catalyst in his musical development, Gonzalez attributes his talent to something entirely different.

"I believe it's a God-given talent," Gonzalez said. "Music is something that is given to people by God to use."

Today, Gonzalez uses his talent on a daily basis and relies on it in good and bad times. Whenever he has a tense day and needs to decompress, he turns to one of his instruments for comfort.

"If I've had a long and stressful day, pounding on the drums sounds like a good idea to me," Gonzalez said. "I like to play stuff that is meaningful, motivating and uplifting."

Gonzalez also uses his gift for the benefit of others. He often plays for friends and at open-mic nights at the Beaver Brew Café in downtown Minot. Recently, Gonzalez was volunteering at a nursing home when he noticed a piano in the room. Without agenda, he sat down and let his hands go to work.

"I was just going to start playing and figured people would carry on about their business, but I noticed the noise level just got dimmer and people were actually listening," Gonzalez said. "My hope is that people can be uplifted or feel at peace when they hear me play."

Whether he is playing for a room full of people or lost in a self-gratifying tune, Gonzalez always appreciates what his music is able to do.

"I like to be able to bring a smile to someone's face," Gonzalez said. "To have someone come up to me after I play and say that a song really hit home with them, it means the world to me."

In the coming years, Gonzalez plans to make music a bigger part of his life, he said. Fine-tuning his skills, putting together a band and recording his own music are just some of his goals for the future. With such a diverse music background, he aims to bring something unique to the table.

"It feels good and right to play music," Gonzalez said. "I just hope I can be someone who is different in my music."

Though the path ahead of him maybe uncertain, Gonzalez is prepared to work hard and do whatever it takes to make his musical dreams come true. With his family support and God-given talent, he is sure to make a harmonious impression on all who hear him play.

"If you don't build your dream, you're going to be working to help someone else build theirs," Gonzalez said. "If you have a dream, figure out what you have to do and follow through with it."