Las Vegas community celebrates military during tattoo Published April 20, 2011 By Senior Airman Michael Charles Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Air Force's Band of the Golden West was among the major performers who played at the 2011 Las Vegas International April 15-16, at the Thomas and Mack Center on the University of Nevada Las Vegas campus. More than 4500 members from the local community who attended the show were treated to more than 500 performers; including international performers from Scotland, Ireland and Canada. The military participants included the U.S. Army "Old Guard" Drill Team, the Marine Air Ground Combat Band, the U.S. Navy Band Southwest and the Air Force Band of the Golden West. The Air Force Band of the Golden West is comprised of 45 musicians and has performed for millions of listeners throughout the western states. "We feel tremendously honored to have been asked to represent the United States Air Force at this international event," said Maj. Keith Bland, Band of the Golden West commander. "Our Airmen are looking forward to the opportunity to work with other service members to celebrate the heritage of our armed forces." "I enjoyed watching all of the military performances," said Susan Johnson, a Las Vegas resident who attended the tattoo. "It's only right we show our support for members of the military. They put their lives on the line for us every day." The event also helps raise donations for two charities; is the Soldiers and Families First charity, which helps military personnel, their families and veterans in need of assistance; and the Clark County Public Education charity, which helps improve student performance and helps advance quality educational opportunities for children. Las Vegas hosted the international tattoo celebration as a way to give thanks to members serving in the armed forces. Military tattoos were originally military drum performances in celebrations of specific events such as base openings, presidential visits and change of command ceremonies.
