Army Materiel Command band rocks Q-West Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 03:14 PM By Capt. Murray Shugars
2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, Public Affairs

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, Iraq — The U.S. Army Materiel Command Band, from Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., performed Oct. 17 at Contingency Operating Location Q-West, Iraq.

Raw Materiel, the command's nine-member rock ensemble, jammed to a range of popular tunes in a headline show at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation indoor theater and performed two encore performances in the main dining facility Oct. 18 and Oct. 19.

The band was in the midst of a 40-day tour.

Sgt. Elizabeth Whitehead, personnel clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, said she enjoyed the show.

"The show was great," Whitehead said. "They had a large variety of music, and they made me feel like I was somewhere else."

Staff Sgt. Jennifer G. Hutton, a supply noncommissioned officer in the same unit, echoed Whitehead's feeling of being transported by the music.

"They had a lot of energy, and they took my mind off being away from home," Hutton said.

"I appreciate them taking the time to come put on a show for us."

Staff Sgt. Benjamin G. Smith, bass player and operations noncommissioned officer, who has deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan, said the band has had a great tour so far. "Everyone has been great," Smith said.

"The only issue we've had is the inconsistency of voltage in the power grid. We've blown three circuits and popped one generator."