At Hanscom Air Force Base’s Electronic Systems Center Annual Awards Banquet on March 2, the hard driving sounds of the United States Air Force Afterburner combo created an unforgettable celebration that thrilled the hundreds of awardees, nominees, supervisors and well-wishers in attendance.

For the eagerly anticipated gala, the group was augmented by a powerhouse horn section consisting of saxophonist Senior Airman Mark Weissman, trumpeters Technical Sergeants Jon Linker and Dave Dell, and trombonist Staff Sergeant John Garcia. The band featured them prominently in a classic rock program which began with Shining Star, a selection which fit the occasion perfectly. The Earth, Wind and Fire hit introduced the stars of the evening—ESC's top military and civilian performers for 2005. Other “oldies” hits which got everyone on their feet included Think by Aretha Franklin, a captivating rendition of Vehicle by the Ides of March featuring the dynamic vocals of Senior Airman Tim Reeder, and Chicago’s immortal hit 25 or 6 to 4.

In the days following the event, the base-wide buzz was unanimous—this ESC Annual Awards Banquet was an enormous success, largely due to the irresistible excitement delivered by the musically talented and versatile “stars” that comprise the United States Air Force Afterburner combo.