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'Winds of Freedom' quintet shares holiday spirit with McConnell

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Laura L. Valentine
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Although many people groan in agony when holiday music comes on the radio, there are few songs that can compare to the sound of a live quintet performance, caroling and camaraderie.

The Winds of Freedom woodwind quintet shared their musical talents with Airmen on Dec. 16, 2011, as part of their tour of McConnell. The quintet is part of the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

The Heartland of America Band is an innovative and professional military music organization dedicated to providing local, national and global audiences with musical products while directly impacting the overarching Air Force mission, according to their official website.

The purpose of their visit McConnell was to boost morale and foster the holiday spirit through music and group participation.

"The band brought love, joy and happiness to the McConnell family," said Staff Sgt. Sheena Early, 22nd Air Refueling Wing command chief executive assistant. "Around these times, it is when you need it the most. The performance was delightful."

Band members visited 13 sites over a two-day period, performing for more than 275 Team McConnell members at 12 squadrons from within the four base groups.

The tour concluded at a location several of the performers consider a favorite, the child development center. Children were lead from their classrooms to watch and sing along to the likes of "Rudolph the red nosed reindeer" and "Frosty the Snowman."

The children weren't the only ones to be affected by the holiday spirit. At each of the 12 locations, Airmen were able to gather, not for an office meeting or brief, but to relax and listen to the performance.

"I think groups of Airmen and civilians coming together, to do something outside of their comfort zone, has a team building effect," said Capt. Brett Harris, 22nd Force Support Squadron sustainment services flight commander. "On top of that, the holidays are all about coming together with family and friends."

"Through sing-along with the band, folks were able to take a break from their normal routine, let their guard down for a few minutes, and laugh and joke with their McConnell teammates," added Harris.