PACAF Band-Asia brings courage, hope to Japanese

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Michael Goetz
  • Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Eighty-three days after the worst recorded earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, the Band of the Pacific-Asia's "Pacific Trends" rock/pop group traveled to the Miyagi and Iwate areas, including Sendai City, bringing smiles, clapping, dancing, and even sharing a few tears of relief together with one of America's best friends and closest allies.

The 10-day trip provided heartfelt, inspirational music to many Japanese citizens directly and deeply affected by the tragic events of March 11.

One of eight performances was in Taiwa Town, Miyagi prefecture, which serves as a temporary home for about 2,000 members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Forces stationed at Camp Taiwa.

The JGSDF members worked tirelessly around the clock in the worst devastated areas of Iwate and Miyagi.

"All of the relief workers haven't been able to even change out of their uniforms for a month or so," said Masato Yagi, community relations specialist for the band.

Many of the relief workers attended the concert in uniform and took the opportunity to unwind by showcasing their dancing talent to the sounds of Johnny B. Goode.

Mayor Hajimu Asano of Taiwa Town thanked the band for their music, saying it gave his people courage and hope and also promoted friendly relations between Japan and the United States.

Other concerts included performances for dislocated residents, such as one at a nearby shelter for people who suffered great losses from the tsunami.

In addition to American pop classics like, The Carpenters' "Yesterday Once More", and Journey's, "Don't Stop Believing", Pacific Trends performed several songs sung in Japanese to include, "Matta Kimini Koi Shiteru", which is a popular Japanese love song.

Vocalist Tech.Sgt. Paula Goetz said, "Singing this time had a special significance -- you could feel the stronger emotional connection coming from the audience. It's truly an honor to share this time with such amazing people."

In addition to popular Japanese music performed by Pacific Trends, the audience enjoyed hits from the 80s, 90s and Latin-Jazz from the band's newly created Latin Combo, "Pacific Clave".

Senior Airman Freddie Cruz added, "Being from Puerto Rico, music is a large part of my culture and soul. I just wanted to do something to help, and the audiences' positive response to our music gave me energy".

The band also received an ovation for their Air Force message delivered on behalf of Yokota Air Base that extended Americans' deepest sympathies for those who suffered horrible, life-changing events and showing respect and admiration for Japan's resiliency and determination.

Pacific Trends NCO in charge, Master Sgt. Gary Rosenak said during the performance, "We're your friends and your neighbors and America will be with you every step of the way through this recovery."

Later, the Mayor from Kami town, Mr. Sumio Sato, said in his speech to a cheering crowd of more than 1,000 people:  "You enjoyed music from the Air Force Band and got power from the Air Force, so now you can brace yourself for tomorrow."

These words were intended for many Japanese present at the concert who lost everything and were bused in from nearby shelters in Ishinomaki City.

After every show, the band interacted with audience members by shaking hands, posing for pictures, exchanging hugs and smiling together. While the band did a wonderful job delivering the immeasurable gift of music, the Japanese viewed the band members as representatives of the 38,000 U.S. military and 5,000 Department of Defense civilian employees dedicated to the safety and security of the Western Pacific Region who contributed to the efforts during Operation Tomodachi.

The Band of the Pacific-Asia touched the hearts of many on behalf of the Air Force. Everyone laughed, some cried and several sang along, but the band's presence was highlighted when a young girl hand-delivered a message written in English which she asked be shared with others.

It read, "Thank you for the Operation Tomodachi from bottom of my heart ... we will never forget your (America's) help and kindness."