US Army's 82d Airborne's Band Hall *Update*

[chhite]

Updated story here http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/7900868/" target="_blank


Fire destroys 82nd All American Band building

By Nancy Mcleary
The Fayetteville Observer


The burned building originally was wood and had been covered with aluminum siding in recent years, said Tom McCollum, a Fort Bragg spokesman.
(Photo by Emma Tannenbaum)
The show will go on for the 82nd Airborne Division Band after a Friday fire on Fort Bragg destroyed their musical instruments, equipment and uniforms.

The band is scheduled to perform Sunday as part of the annual Independence Day celebration.

"It's tragic," said Col. Kevin Arata, a Fort Bragg spokesman. "We'll find a way. Soldiers are pretty resilient."

A passer-by spotted the fire at the building on Longstreet Road at the Keerans Street intersection about 4:30 p.m. and drove to a nearby fire station to report it, Arata said.

The building, which is about 70 years old, was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters from several counties and the cities of Fayetteville and Spring Lake arrived, officials said.

The original wooden structure, where the first Iron Mike statue was built, had been covered with aluminum siding in recent years, said Tom McCollum, another Fort Bragg spokesman.

By 7 p.m., the back of the building was nothing more than a heap of smoldering, twisted aluminum.

Flames continued to shoot out above the front entrance.

Firefighters on three ladder trucks stationed on each side and in the back kept water streaming down on the debris.

Two teams of firefighters carrying hoses attacked the flames toward the front of the building.

The band's 50 members had been rehearsing for the July 4 celebration and left the building about 3:30 p.m., Arata said.

All of the members were accounted for, Arata said.

The cause of the fire was not known Friday night, Arata said.

The loss is devastating to band members, Arata said.

Members had returned from Afghanistan about eight weeks ago to begin preparing for the holiday performance, he said.

The band, which also performs throughout the country, is faced with trying to salvage something for event, Arata said.

The band master, Chief Warrant Officer Russ Houser, is hoping the community will come the rescue, Arata said.

The band is asking the public to lend it instruments, sheet music and music stands for the performance, Arata said.

In particular, the band needs brass, woodwind and percussion instruments as well as sheet music for the "1812 Overture" by Tchaikovsky and "Sound the Bells" by John Williams.

Music stands are needed as well, according to Arata.

Those wanting to donate are asked to send an e-mail to Houser at russ.houser@us.army.mil" target="_blank" target="_blank

Story also here http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/arti ... 6&catid=57" target="_blank" target="_blank

[rodgeman]

That is sad. I f I lived close enough I would lend my tuba.

[Master Sergeant Tuba]

All the Soldiers were fine. We had rehearsal that afternoon for the 4th, but had stopped a couple hours before the place went up in flames. Total loss. The community came through and we borrowed instruments for the Independance Day celebration ~ even had the cannons cranked up for a rousing rendition of the 1812 (Hindsley).

The Band just performed its first complete ceremony after the fire. Could not be prouder to have led a group that bounces back this way. I am headed into retirement later this month, but if you ever want to serve with people who can pull this type of event off after returning from a year in afghanistan and a fire that leaves you with less than 5% of your equipment, these are your folks.

Jeff

[chhite]

Glad to hear all went well, Jeff. I was looking for a good post-concert article but I couldn't find one to post. Congrats on the impending retirement and we'll see you down the road.

Chris