By Sam Wildow
TROY — The city of Troy will be hosting Flight One, the pop and rock component of the Air Force Band of Flight, at Treasure Island Park on Sunday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m.
Flight One is the popular music component of the United States Air Force Band of Flight, stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. They support military ceremonies and events year-round, and they also reach out to the communities around WPAFB by performing at local schools, fairs, and community events. This lively, free concert will feature top hits from artists such as Billy Idol, Queen, Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, and more.
“We are really excited to come up to Troy on Sunday and play a great show,” said Technical Sergeant Gregory Pflugh, a saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and the music director for Flight One.
Flight One currently has six members in the group, including TSgt Pflugh, Technical Sergeant Joseph Whitt, Technical Sergeant Andrew Wendzikowski, Technical Sergeant Kelcey McDonald, Senior Airman MeLan Smartt, and Airman First Class Christopher Arellano.
Flight One performs a wide range of covers, from class rock to pop, country, and western music, TSgt Pflugh said there’s something there for everyone.
“We definitely also have a patriotic section of our show,” TSgt Pflugh said. Their performance includes a melody of the different service songs to honor veterans and their fellow service people.
Flight One’s mission when it tours a variety of communities throughout the state of Ohio is summoned up in three words: honor, inspire, and connect.
“We absolutely want to make sure we honor those who have served before us,” TSgt Pflugh said. He added they also hope to inspire patriotism and connect with others.
“We enjoy the chance to get out and play in the different communities,” he said. He added they also hope to set a good example for the Air Force and the U.S. military, saying, “Maybe we’re the first folks they’ve ever seen in a military uniform.”
Playing in Troy on Sunday will be extra special for TSgt Pflugh since he moved to Troy last September around when he was stationed at WPAFB. He has served in the Air Force for 12 years and was previously stationed in Japan.
“I’m excited to play for my new hometown,” TSgt Pflugh said. He added, “We’re just hoping to come there, put on a great show for the folks up there in Troy, and make sure they know how much Wright-Patterson appreciates their support.”
Additional information about the concert at Treasure Island is available at www.troyohio.gov/treasureisland. For more information about Flight One, visit www.music.af.mil/Bands/US-Air-Force-Band-of-Flight.