U.S. Army Spc. Donaess Wade, a combat medic assigned to Louisiana National Guard’s 756th Medical Company Area Support, 415th Military Intelligence Battalion, 139th Regional Support Group, sings on stage with the group AJR in Powidz, Poland, Sept. 4, 2023. AJR, in partnership with Armed Forces Entertainment, performed at multiple military installations across Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elsi Delgado)
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For the final performance of their one-week Armed Forces Entertainment-sponsored tour, the indie pop band from New York, AJR, performed for hundreds of Soldiers at Forward Operating Site Powidz, Poland, Sept. 4, 2023.The U.S. service members at Powidz are deployed to provide sustainment support to forward-stationed U.S. and allied forces’ training and operations to bolster NATO’s eastern flank, as part of the mission to assure allies, increase military interoperability, and deter adversaries in Europe.
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Provider, Task Force Grizzly and Task Force Empire enjoy a concert put on by the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation program with a performance by the group AJR in Powidz, Poland, Sept. 4, 2023. The group AJR performed at Forward Operating Station Powidz for their last concert of an Armed Forces Entertainment tour throughout Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elsi Delgado)
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“This experience has been very special and unique,” said Jack Met, one of three brothers that compose the band. “This has been a first for us; it’s been really fun, informative and it has been a good time.”
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Provider, Task Force Grizzly and Task Force Empire enjoy a concert put on by the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation program with a performance by the group AJR in Powidz, Poland, Sept. 4, 2023. These U.S. Soldiers are currently deployed to Poland and providing sustainment support to forward-stationed U.S. and allied forces’ training and operations to bolster NATO’s eastern flank, as part of a mission to assure allies, increase military interoperability, and deter adversaries in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elsi Delgado)
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The band displayed their musical talent to show their appreciation for U.S. military members deployed far away from their homes. The week-long AFE tour was a first for the group in its 18 years.
United Service Organizations volunteers cook steaks for U.S. Army Soldiers to enjoy on Labor Day at Powidz, Poland, Sept. 4, 2023. Soldiers assigned to Task Force Provider, Task Force Grizzly and Task Force Empire enjoyed a concert put on by the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation program with a performance by the group AJR at their last concert of a week-long Armed Forces Entertainment tour throughout Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elsi Delgado)
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“We see the appreciation from the Soldiers,” said Ryan Met, another member of the band. “Being able to make them smile and decompress for an hour is a really special and exciting feeling.”
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Provider, Task Force Grizzly and Task Force Empire enjoy a concert organized by the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation program with a performance by the group AJR in Powidz, Poland, Sept. 4, 2023. These U.S. Soldiers are currently deployed to Poland and providing sustainment support to forward-stationed U.S. and allied forces’ training and operations to bolster NATO’s eastern flank, as part of a mission to assure allies, increase military interoperability, and deter adversaries in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elsi Delgado)
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The band held an hour-long concert where the group performed their latest hits, including “Burn The House Down” and “World’s Smallest Violin.” As the concert went on, the Soldiers and band appeared to feed off of each others’ energy and the atmosphere of excitement grew. Soldiers flooded around the stage, dancing and singing along to the performance. With bright strobe lights and high-tech graphic backgrounds, the band appeared dedicated to ensuring the service members had a good time. As the concert drew to close, the band invited one Soldier on stage to sing along.
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Ivy, Task Force Grizzly and Task Force Provider enjoy a concert put on by the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation program with a performance by the group AJR in Powidz, Poland, Sept. 4, 2023. AJR, in partnership with Armed Forces Entertainment, performed at multiple military installations across Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elsi Delgado)
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“Being on stage with the band was mind blowing,” said Spc. Donaess Wade, the combat medic assigned to Louisiana National Guard’s 756th Medical Company Area Support, 415th Military Intelligence Battalion, 139th Regional Support Group, pulled onstage. “I’ve been a fan of them for a while now, so it was amazing to be able to rock out with them to one of my favorite songs.”
The indie pop band AJR performs a concert organized by the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation program for U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Grizzly, Task Force Empire and Task Force Provider in Powidz, Poland, Sept. 4, 2023. The group AJR toured through multiple bases in Europe over the week, entertaining Soldiers working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elsi Delgado)
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After the show ended, the band held a meet and greet with the Soldiers, where they could get a picture and a signed autograph from the group. With service members maintaining a busy schedule and supporting numerous training exercises alongside allied and partner nations, maintaining readiness and morale continues to be a priority for the deployed personnel.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Eric Maia, the deputy commander for 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. Hector Rodriguez, the brigade's senior support operations noncommissioned officer, poses for a photo with the musical group AJR in Powidz, Poland, Sept. 4, 2023. The group AJR toured through multiple bases across Europe over the week, entertaining the Soldiers working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elsi Delgado)
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“Ending a busy and stressful work day with AJR performing was awesome,” said Command Sgt Maj. Hector Rodriguez, the senior support operations noncommissioned officer for 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. “Being in the Army for over 20 years, I am always grateful when artists come and visit, giving us a piece of home.”
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