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Army's V Corps band rocks 3/5 Marines
Submitted by: I Marine Expeditionary Force
Story Identification Number: 200372894038
Story by Army Sgt. Troy Chatwin
AD DIWANIYAH, Iraq(July 27, 2003) -- For the battle-hardened Marines and soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, coming back to Camp Get Some, Iraq at the end of a long day of guarding the city normally means getting some chow and pulling guard duty, reading a book, or just going to sleep.
The evening of July 27, they came back to a surprise concert put on by the Army V Corps' rock band, Government Property.
Beginning of a seven-week tour of every major troop installation in Iraq, the nine-member band from Manheim, Germany showed their diverse range during the interactive concert, including songs from Motown artists, AC/DC, Eminem, and Garth Brooks. During the concert the band invited several Marines from the Battalion to join in by singing, dancing, playing guitar and the drums.
For the band to take requests from the Marines, they had to beat lead singer Army Staff Sgt. Eric Burger of Davis, Calif. in an arm wrestling match. The first match went to the Army, but the second match scored Warren, Mich. resident Cpl. Justin Hibbs, a member of L Company, who requested song Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places."
Burger said the shows are as rewarding for the band as for the audiences.
"We are glad to be able to perform for the troops," said Burger. "We know it is tough out here, and we like that we can lift their spirits."
By the audience reaction, spirits of the Marines and soldiers of Camp Get Some were indeed high.
"I was up there playing for my boys and I feel like I am still there," said a smiling Lance Cpl. Fabian Mirnada of L Company and native of Los Angeles, Calif. after playing along during one of the songs.
During an extended rendition of the Commodores' "Brick House," the band invited three Marines to dance for their cheering comrades.
"I haven't felt my legs move like that in a long time," said Pfc. J.D. Singleton, a Mustang, Okla. native also attached to L Company.
In addition to entertaining the Marines, soldiers, and sailors at the camp, the band sent a clear reminder to the troops why they were called to duty by playing several patriotic songs that referred to their service and events of Sept. 11, 2001.
In the end, the audience at Camp Get Some appreciated the three-hour concert presented by the Army.
"I like that they are Army," said Pfc. Jeffery Lavonte, a member of L Company and resident of Gray, Maine. "I am a team player and like their talent for music."
Lance Cpl. Tim Estes also of Gray, Maine, who came in the Marine Corps with Lavonte under the buddy program, said the concert was a nice change of pace.
"For what we can get out here, this is great," he said. "After being on patrol all day, I was not expecting to come back to a rock band."
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Marine Expeditionary Units
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