Patriotic Blue brings patriotism to life Published May 7, 2010 By Connie Hempel 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- "Oh say can you see" resounds off the wall of the small auditorium as the group belts out the National Anthem in unison during rehearsal; this isn't your run of the mill singing group though. The pipes on these volunteers and the harmony they have together bring to life the patriotism behind the words they sing. The group's name, Patriotic Blue, couldn't be more fitting. Although choosing their name was spur of the moment, Patriotic Blue founder and former president, 1st Lt. Jared Seegmiller, 315th Training Squadron, said it couldn't be more fitting because "you won't find a more patriotic and dedicated group." Current president, Staff Sgt. Adam Elshiyab, 316th Training Squadron, couldn't agree more. "It represents that we're all patriots," he said. So how did this diverse group of service and civilian members come together? Just like their name, forming the group was spontaneous, too. "The group's formation was actually somewhat serendipitous," Lieutenant Seegmiller said. After auditioning to perform for the wing change of command ceremony last summer, Lieutenant Seegmiller said all the individuals who auditioned were asked to sing as a group. So, they each took on a part and off they went. "It ended up sounding fairly good and we were selected to sing together," Lieutenant Seegmiller said. After their change of command performance, requests to have them at varying base functions began to grow, but manning shortages kept the lieutenant from making the group into what he had envisioned. "I wanted to put together a professional looking and sounding group that could represent not only the Air Force, but our joint services as well," he said. That's when the group decided to get more formalized by selecting elected officers, creating a constitution and holding weekly rehearsals. Everything is done on their own personal time and even with their work schedules and responsibilities, they still do it because they love to sing, Lieutenant Seegmiller said. Soon after forming, requests for the group more than doubled with word of mouth advertising only. "Now we're averaging four to six performances a month," Sergeant Elshiyab stated. The group, comprised of 20 volunteers, is made up of all ranks and even a civilian. Although most of them are Air Force, they hope that they'll soon have all branches represented. "We need more Army, Navy and Marine support," Sergeant Elshiyab said. "We'd like to get all the branches involved." Anyone interested in joining the group must audition by singing "The Star Spangled Banner" a capella. Although being able to read music is preferable, it's not necessary. "If you can't sing it by yourself, but can sing it in tune with a couple other people, then we'll take you," Sergeant Elshiyab said. "You just have to be able to stay in tune and sing well with others." Students can join, too, he said, but must have permission from their instructor and keep an 85 percent grade point average. Currently, the group only performs The Star Spangled Banner, Armed Forces Medley and the Air Force song, but as the group's popularity grows and gets more involvement from the other branches, they look forward to expanding to other patriotic music such as America the Beautiful, Stars and Stripes Forever, and all the other service songs. "When you hear the sweet harmonies of the National Anthem being sung, it makes you feel proud and blessed to be serving in the military," Lieutenant Seegmiller said. Being able to join service members from all branches, including civilian personnel and sharing their singing talents with people on and off base is what makes being part the group great, said the group's vice president, Staff Sgt. Christina Cordova, 17th Training Wing. "It's a wonderful experience and a worthwhile organization to be involved in," she said. Whether they receive a request three weeks in advanced or one day, having their weekly rehearsals allows the group to always be prepared to perform. "We're ready to perform at whatever ceremony you need," Sergeant Elshiyab said. Patriotic Blue conductor, Tech. Sgt. Jason Jordan, 316th TRS, enjoys being in the company of other like-minded individuals. "I love music and being able to perform with others who love music," he said. "Everyone wants to sing well together."
