Band News

A Lighning5 Farewell

By SGT Bree and SGT Carmical
25th ID Band

Lightning5- Storm Bringers (Photo by SGT Robert Carmical)

Lightning5 is one of the two excellent brass quintets of the 25th ID Tropic Lightning Band. SGT Jason Binde uses his vast musical and performance experience as the group’s trombonist but he is also the group’s musical director. SGT Steven Gilbert plays a dual role as well. Acting as both tuba player and operations manager, SGT Gilbert ensures that the logistics for all performances are taken care of. Keeping in step with his peers, SGT Benjamin Stevens plays trumpet and functions as librarian. SSG Lawrence Henry will join the group soon and will have some large shoes to fill - because the group is incredibly lucky to have the talents and experience of their very sage 1SG Steven Sonnen. The “technical, menu, and spiritual advisor” (NCOIC) of Lightning5 is the horn player, SSG Andrew Smith.

The quintet accurately and respectfully performs standard military repertoire when requested or appropriate. But given the choice Lightning5 leans heavy on jazz and Dixieland, performing frequently and exuberantly for the often excited Soldiers in chow halls across northern Iraq. Whatever the genre, members of Lightning5 are ready to bring it, on- or off-COB. Their mission is simple: entertain troops, help maintain a high morale, and instill the will to fight and win. As a group Lightning5 loves to perform and is eager to travel to as many different COBs and FOBs as possible over the course of their deployment.

Most recently Lightning5 hopped on a CH-47 (Chinook helicopter) to travel to Camp Liberty near Baghdad. SFC Lance Powell accompanied the group on the trip and because he had previously deployed to Camp Liberty was able to show the group around the Victory Base Complex consisting of Camps Liberty, Victory, and Slayer. Lightning5 soldiers enjoyed the change of scenery, but the real treat was the opportunity to visit with their friends and fellow Army Bandsmen. Members of the 10th Mountain Division Band (based in Ft. Drum NY) are currently deployed to Camp Victory. Lightning5’s mission was actually concerning yet another Army Band. They had the rare honor of playing for the 4th Infantry Division Band as they began their well deserved trip home to Ft. Hood, Texas. Performing for fellow musicians can be a particularly daunting experience, but in this case, it was very rewarding. Members of Lightning5 understand that Amy Bandsmen seldom have music performed for them and they sincerely wanted to honor the efforts of their peers during their deployment. Often “saying good bye is hard to do” In this case however, Lightning5 was eager to bid farewell to their brothers in arms and wish them a safe and quick return home to their loved ones!