Barksdale community enjoy free patriotic concert Published July 16, 2009 By Senior Airman Alexandra Longfellow 2d Bomb Wing BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Members of the Barksdale community and their families attended a free, patriotic concert by the Shreveport Metropolitan Concert Band June 27 at Hoban Hall. Sixty members ranging from ages 18 to 80 performed numerous songs for more than two hours. This concert band marked the 21st time performed at Barksdale. Before the start of the concert, to boost the feeling of patriotism amongst the crowd during the holiday, a total of 350 American flags were handed out. "This event ties in with the 4th of July nationwide," said Col. (retired) Steve L. de'Pyssler, Retiree Affairs officer. "It is patriotism all the way from Barksdale to the community." The 2d Bomb Wing was the host for the concert band. The First Term Airmen Center helped support the event by setting up the chairs for both the band and audience. "Without the support from Barksdale and the Airmen, the concert would not have happened," said Colonel de'Pyssler. According to Col. Steven Basham, 2d Bomb Wing commander, he wants the band to come back again to perform another concert for the active duty Airmen. "The best part of the concert was the attendance of people," said Colonel de'Pyssler. "It was the thrill and enthusiasm of the audience that made the afternoon. Two of the band members told me it was difficult to play "God Bless America" because it would bring tears to their eyes." Many active duty Airmen attended the concert with their spouses and children ranging in all ages. "My wife, kids and I love music and we knew we would enjoy it," said Senior Airman James Trussell, 2d Security Forces Squadron. ""The Air Force Song" and "God Bless America" hit home for both my wife and me." The concert band is planning on coming back the following year to support the patriotism from the Barksdale community.