By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
VENTNOR – The walls were vibrating as airmen from the U.S. Air Force in fatigues rocked out at St. James Memorial Hall Friday, Oct. 22. The airmen were in town for a recruitment commission and spent part of their day running in the Airmen Helping Airmen 5k Run held at the 177th Fighter Wing base to raise funds to support the well-being of airmen serving stateside and overseas.
The seven-member U.S. Air Force Band, “Full Spectrum,” performed some recent popular hits, a medley of Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” Children danced in front of the stage and seniors clapped in time with the music, offering a standing ovation at the conclusion of the concert.
“We’re just back from deployment in the Middle East,” Senior Airman Rachel Colman said.
The group is a “force multiplier” to help keep morale up among the troops serving in the United States and around the world, Colman said. They are based out of Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia. Most of their performances are in the Northeastern U.S. but they also deploy to conflict zones around the world, especially in the Middle East.
“We’re going to give you the same show we give them,” she said.
Colman, one of two lead vocalists, has been with the band for four years.
“We help the troops relax a little from their very hard jobs serving in less than ideal conditions,” she said. “I like to say we take care of the troops that take care of business.”
Frontman Airman 1st Class Benton Felty, 26, of Hershey, Pennsylvania, flawlessly performed his second gig with the group. He’s only been with the group for a few weeks but was able to learn the entire set list in no time, his band mates said.
With several family members who have served in the military, being an Eagle Scout and his patriotic love for country, Felty was moved to follow in their footsteps. He graduated boot camp and auditioned for the vocal position.
“I have a background in musical theater and worked on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship for several months, so this was a natural fit for me,” he said.
The group performed a concert earlier in the day at a recruiting event held at one of the Atlantic City casinos.
“We’re here to get some of you signed up to serve in the U.S. Air Force,” Colman said.
The 90-minute free concert was arranged by Ventnor City Special Events Coordinator Donna Peterson, who said she made arrangements to hold the concert at Memorial Hall on short notice.
“We are very honored to have them come and perform in Ventnor City,” she said.
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