Fort Huachuca, Arizona - The Cochise County Outlaws, 62nd Army Rock Band, performed for advanced individual training students in a special concert at Eifler Fitness Center on June 27.
Joining them on stage for the band last three songs was none other than Maj. Gen. Robert Ashley, commanding general, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca. The Outlaws are part of the Military Intelligence Corps Band, or 62nd Army Band.
"I thought the performance went great!" said Spc. William Wallace, MI Corps Band, lead guitar/vocals. "We had a good turnout and it was a lot of fun. The audience seemed to really appreciate us, and we really appreciated them."
His favorite part of the performance was having Ashley join them on stage
"I was adequate at best, but I actually had a blast," Ashley said after finishing the show. "That's the first time I've actually ever played with a band like that on stage."
"We knew he was a guitar player, because he would always come and talk to the guitar players at different events so I think some where along the line our commander got in touch with him to do a farewell and play with the band," said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Lane, MI Corps Band, bass guitar. "We discussed tunes we could play together and what would fit best."
"It's great performing with General Ashley," he added. "Its interesting meeting general officers that are into music and often they have a real appreciation for the band, which we appreciate."
Ashley, who started playing the guitar in college, said although he has been playing for many years, it has always just been at home with music playing in the background. He wanted to start playing after hearing the Beatles.
"The garrison commander talked about doing this concert a couple months ago, and he said, 'hey, would you want to go out and play with the band?' and I said absolutely," Ashley said. "We had a couple of rehearsals, and we had a good time at them.
"They are absolutely amazing! Great Soldiers and just a great representation of the MI Corps," Ashley said of the band.
"I have always had [a guitar], it's a great stress relief," Ashley said. "I have taken an acoustic on deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and after a 16- or 17-hour day, just go in my room and play for 15 to 20 minutes."
Spc. Sean Morris, Bravo Company, 309th MI Bn., said "it was wicked awesome. The best part was I loved seeing the CG get up there and play the guitar."
"It's probably the coolest thing I've done in the Army rock band," Sgt. Michael Kiese, MI Corps Band, guitar, said of performing with Ashley. "I was really surprised how good he was. Generals have so many responsibilities, and they're always busy and the fact that he's as good as he is awesome."
Pvt. Jacob Blackwell, Bravo Company, 309th MI Bn. said, "I wasn't originally going to come, and coming over here I was like, 'the CG better shred,' and he didn't disappoint. But it was also when we were in the front row and seeing guys from different units and stuff, we were kind of just melded together and getting to dance, it was a fantastic experience."
Spc. John Merritt, Bravo Company, 309th MI Bn. said he loved the concert. "I liked seeing the CG on the guitar and loved all the covers. I've never had a chance to meet him before so it was kind of cool to see him get up there and do his thing on stage and bring us all together, I was impressed."
The band played songs ranging from Walkin on Sunshine to Heartbreak by Pat Benatar. The show was roughly an hour long, and held a mostly 1980's rock vibe.
"The best part is you get to do what you love to do and still support your troops and serve your country which is awesome," said Sgt. Mandie Tetreault, MI Corps Band, vocalist, who has been in the band for four and a half years.
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