Not the normal Chain of Command

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mariah Tolbert
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  What do you get when you cross a technical sergeant, a captain and a retired senior master sergeant?

You get the hard rock Chain of Command band that plays songs from artists like Maroon 5, Ozzy Osbourne, Guns N' Roses, Blink 182 and much more.

"It doesn't matter age or rank, we all come in and do what we have to do to make the band work," said Tech Sgt. Vincent Ambrosio, a 335th Fighter Squadron debriefer.

Ambrosio started his music career more than 20 years ago in San Diego. He continues to perform as a bassist and a back-up singer in the band and as a singer in his church choir. Ambrosio is working on a music degree and plans on teaching music once he is retired.

Captain Brian Myers, the 4th Component Maintenance Squadron maintenance operations officer and guitarist of the band, has been playing guitar since 1984 and is a native of Springfield, Mo. He has always enjoyed music and uses it to ground him and keep him focused in his life.

The final piece is Peter Coffman, a retired senior master sergeant who is the drummer and lead singer in the band. He has only been playing drums since 2006 but is constantly finding ways to improve his skills. Since Coffman was young he has had a passion for all types of music and instruments.

The band members work together to perform at events. They also go to church together and rely on each other for help and guidance.

"I think it sounds so awesome when we play as a group," Ambrosio said. "But it's also impacted me in a different way. Being part of a team, I know I can reach out to the other group members to help me when I need it."

With more than 100 years of experience between the band members, they provide entertainment and build morale on base.

"We play at holiday events, air shows and birthday parties," said Coffman. "I think the band gives another point of pride to the base. We offer the base and the local community a source of entertainment to increase morale that it may not always have. Tops in Blue might come in once a year, along with other forms of entertainment, but we are here all the time."

At the moment they know more than 90 songs, making up about six sets, and are continuing to learn new songs from several generations.

"When we show up you can't count on everybody liking everything but you can count on everybody liking something," Coffman said.

Keep an eye out and an ear open for this band as they continue to play at more events on and off base.

To request the band for an event contact Capt. Brian Myers at 919-5832334 or Peter Coffman at 919-330-2156.