Features

KMC expresses appreciation for host nation hospitality through holiday concert

by 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
December 9, 2022
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force and Kaiserslautern Military Community commander, provides opening remarks at the Sound of Christmas holiday concert with the United States Air Forces in Europe Band in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Dec. 2, 2022. France hosted the concert to show thanks for the acceptance, hospitality and support U.S. forces and their families receive from the German population in the local area. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Regan Spinner)

The Kaiserslautern Military Community expressed appreciation to the host nation community during a holiday concert in Kaiserslautern, Dec. 2.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force and KMC commander, hosted the concert to show thanks for the acceptance, hospitality and support U.S. forces and their families receive from the German population in the local area.

“I want to thank all of you,” said France. “As our hosts and neighbors, you’ve done a lot for us, and we truly appreciate your steadfast support.”

The United States Air Forces in Europe Band and the Rheinland-Pfalz International Choir perform for an audience of military members and German nationals during the Sound of Christmas holiday concert in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Dec. 2, 2022. More than 600 attendees were present in the Fruchthalle, Kaiserslautern’s concert and festival hall. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Regan Spinner)

Following the general’s remarks, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Band and the Rheinland-Pfalz International Choir took the stage to entertain the more than 600 attendees packed into the Fruchthalle, Kaiserslautern’s concert and festival hall.

“I know two things about this holiday concert,” France explained. “This event is a symbol of our partnerships over the last 70 years, and no one came here to listen to me talk.”

U.S. Air Force Maj. Rafael Francisco Toro-Quiñones, United States Air Forces in Europe Band commander, conducts the USAFE Band during the annual Sound of Christmas holiday concert in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Dec. 2, 2022. The USAFE Band serves as a cultural ambassador for over 100 countries throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Regan Spinner)

This annual concert has taken place for over 30 years, and it is one of the most popular performances in the KMC.

“When fall comes, the local community counts the days until this concert,” said Elke Sittel, a host nation advisor from the 86th Airlift Wing. “Every December, hundreds of Germans come here to enjoy this musical delicacy.”

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