Mint Condition rocks COS Marez

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq -At an amphitheater located in northern Iraq, crowds of civilians and military servicemembers gathered under beaming lights for a rare treat, a live concert.

Soldiers assigned to the 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, deployed in support of Operation New Dawn enjoyed songs performed by Mint Condition, Oct. 28.

"It's amazing to come over here," said Lawrence El, the group's keyboardist. "We're truly inspired by the troops with their courage and sacrifice. We wanted to come over here and lift their spirits, give back and say thanks."

Cameras and camcorders cascaded the crowd, as deployed Soldiers captured the musical event and enjoyed their time spent with the rhythm and blues band from Saint Paul, Minn.

"We were asked to come over here," said Rick Kinchen, the group's bassist. "If the troops can come over here for a year, I can do it for a couple of days. It was nice to get a chance to eat and live with them."

The group did more than just sing. Mint Condition performed their songs, with dramatic strikes to the bass guitar and saxophone solos drawing in various emotions from the crowd. The U.S. personnel stationed at COS Marez received a treat and a break away from their routine schedules.

"It's a very good thing they did (coming out here to see us)," said Cpl. Dimitrius Malachi, a supply clerk in 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div. "We're out here working really hard and to have entertainers take time out their busy schedule to perform for us, it boosts Soldiers' morale," said the Queens, N.Y. native.

Given the busy schedules that everyone faces while conducting the advise, train and assist mission with their Iraqi counterparts, Soldiers and civilian employees embraced the night air as they danced and sang along to 'old time favorites' of the group.

"I like their songs and their music," said Staff Sgt. Sherrie Brown, chaplain assistant for 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div. "They were a great group when I was growing up. I like that they came out to show their support for what we are doing out here," said Brown, a native of Marianna, Fla.

Throughout the concert, Mint Condition performed many of their most popular songs to include "U Send Me Swingin," and "What Kind of Man Would I Be'"

Before the conclusion of the concert, the group teased the crowd, attempting to leave prior to singing the one song everyone kept screaming out. Packing up their equipment and even walking towards the back of the stage, a simple look back by lead singer, Stokley Williams, the crowd knew they were due one more song. A slow introduction, then finally the words "Pretty Brown Eyes" permeated the air.

The night ended with fans taking photos with the group, their faces gleaming with excitement although exhausted from the moments of screaming, singing and dancing.

"This was the least we could do," said Williams. "It was great to actually see what the troops are doing over here. This is our way of giving back, building the morale of Soldiers and giving them a chance to just rest and relax."