BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (July 17, 2008) – The 101st Airborne Division and Afghan National Army bands met this week for a four-day training event here.

The two units worked together to learn music and foster relationships. The 101st band has been to Kabul, where the ANA’s group is located several times. However, this was the first time the Afghan musicians have come to Bagram.

About 22 ANA soldiers from an Afghan Kandak, battalion sized element, stayed with the 101st band Soldiers.

“The language barrier was the hardest part,” said Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Hager, the 101st band commander. “We got through it though, music is a universal language.”

Though the language of music may be universal, an interpreter was present for the non-musical communication.

The two bands worked on the Afghan, U.S., French and German anthems as well as Bravura, a marching tune. They swapped musical tips and helped each other on techniques.

“It was nice to see guys who want to learn,” said Sgt. Jeremy Morrison, trumpet section leader for the 101st band in Bagram. “They really want to learn. They ask questions and are eager to better themselves.”

The Afghan band is interested in returning for another training event.

“We want to train more,” said Mohammed Saliman, a trumpet player in the ANA band. “This is the first time we’ve come for training and it was very wonderful.”

With the growth and development of Afghanistan and its government, new things are being built and old relationships are being mended.

Countries mingle and talk business of all sorts yet one thing remains the same. There is a band proudly playing the music of its nation.