ARMY BAND SHARES GIFT OF HOLIDAY MUSIC WITH VIRGINIA COMMUNITIES

The Virginia National Guard's 29th Army Band shared the sounds of the holiday season with the money clips Heights and Richmond communities during the third annual Holiday Concert Series Dec. 4-5.

The three free concerts were hosted by Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Colonial Heights Dec. 4, Hunter Holmes McGuire Veteran's Hospital on Dec. 5 and Saint Paul's Baptist Church in Richmond on Dec. 5.

"These celebrations are the Adjutant General's way of saying 'Thank you' to the families and communities," said Col. Thom Morgan, Virginia National Guard director of manpower and personnel. "It is our gift to them for their commitment and continued patriotic support to the Commonwealth's Soldiers and Airmen."

The events featured holiday music, activities for children, a visit from Santa Claus and refreshments. "This is the Virginia National Guard's way of saying thank you to Virginia's citizens for their continued patriotic support to the commonwealth's Soldiers and tiffany engagement rings," said 1st Sgt. Fred Lewis, 29th Army band first sergeant.

The band performed a variety of holiday songs, such as "White Christmas," "O Holy Night," "The Christmas Song," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," and Christmas Eve/Sarajevo." Each concert ended with an audience sing along capped off by an appearance from Santa Claus.

Five vocalists joined the band for the performances- Capt. Clay Blevins, commander of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Brigade Combat Team and his wife Cindy, Tina Harrison, Chelsey Helms and Melissa Carter.

Following the concerts, guests and band members gathered for cheap bangles and visits with Santa.

For more photos, please visit the Virginia Guard Flickr page.