Night Wing brings holiday cheer…one note at a time!

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Warriors of the North and members of Cavalier Air Station were treated to some early holiday cheer Tuesday as members of the country-rock band Night Wing performed traditional and non-traditional Christmas songs at several locations here.

Night Wing is composed of military band members who also play with the USAF Heartland of America Band, stationed at Offutt AFB, Neb.

"This is our way of having the band career fields thank everyone working in the Air Force, as well as the country for everything they do," said Master Sgt. Doug Montera, a percussionist with the band.

The Heartland of America Band is comprised of 45 musicians and play as a whole group during important events, but they have a number of smaller bands within the band that specialize in different forms of music. Night Wing is the country-rock band, but they also have a jazz band and a brass quintet among others, according to Sergeant Montera.

"All of the band members are true music professionals and have different reasons for joining the military and serving their country through the sharing of music. I think we all do this job for the love of music," said Sgt. Montera. "I wanted to be a musician and I wanted to serve my country. This job allows me to do both."

"And it's a lot of fun," he added.

While the musicians focus primarily on one particular instrument, most band members are well trained on others and can play them at a moment's notice, based on the needs of the group.

"Our job is to really learn and master one instrument, but with all of the expertise here in the band, it is easy to learn others and fill in when we can," said Master Sgt. Lori Weber, the Night Wing bass player and background vocalist.

"In fact, right now I am taking lessons from people in the band and learning how to play guitar, because we have a need for some more rhythm guitars," added Tech. Sgt. Lara Murdzia, the Night Wing vocalist.

While Night Wing spent the day playing holiday favorites they also rocked the wing building by playing the popular song "Free Bird," originally performed by the band Lynyrd Skynyrd. The song had been requested by Col. Raymond Corcoran, 319th Maintenance Group commander and truly allowed the musicians to demonstrate their remarkable musical and vocal abilities. It also solidified the relationship the base has with the band members, and they look forward to visiting the base again in January, according to the group.

After touring Grand Forks AFB, the group performed at Cavalier Air Force Station playing for the entire squadron as well as the child development center. They also participated in the squadron's holiday chili cook-off and spent time visiting the radar facility.

"We love it here, this base is so nice and friendly," said Sergeant Murdzia. "There is really a close-knit feel to this base and we like being able to be a part of it, especially during the holidays."