Singing Troupe of Soldiers Pay Homage on the Nation's 235th Birthday

Marching in unison to the cadence in their boots and desert Army Combat Uniforms, the 82nd Airborne Division's All-American Chorus is a lauded favorite at high profile community events. 

This morning they wowed the crowds and even brought tears to the eyes of many that gathered in downtown Fayetteville for the dedication and unveiling of the $13 million dollar North Carolina Veterans Park Memorial.

Tonight they will put on another rousing performance at Fort Bragg's Main Post Parade Field during the Independence Day festivities.

Comprised of 26 talented vocalists, the traveling troupe of a cappella are a local favorite. All serve in regular job details at Fort Bragg, where they also deploy and attend mandatory military training throughout the year.

"The prestige and honor that the songs convey as the soldiers sing, and to their fallen comrades as they perform at memorial services is most memorable," said the groups General Manager, Sgt. 1st Class Dale Schrall. 

Their smooth harmonic sound can be compared to that of a barber shop quartet. They sing patriotic hymns known by all as well as classic tunes like 'Brown Eyed Girl' and 'Sweet Caroline' to get the crowds clapping and swaying along. Some songs like 'Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree' are a throwback to the earlier Army days. 

Another somber yet satirical song is appropriately named 'Blood Upon the Risers,' painting a vivid pictures of the soldiers who were shot and killed jumping into Normandy, France.

Hands down, a crowd favorite is a tribute to 82nd paratroopers past and present, 'The All-American Soldier.' The song begins with the group humming, rising to a crescendo at the end to simulate an aircraft ramping up for take off. Then they chant about paratroopers miming the actions inside the aircraft before they jump: "Stand up, hook up, shuffle to the door, reach right out and count to four." The crowd is mesmerized as the group marches in unison and performs the synchronized movements to the music as they enter and leave the stage for each venue. 

The All-American Chorus first formed in November 1967 to perform at the Division Chapel for Sunday services with its 15 members. Today they travel to events all over the country.

The group recently performed at Nascar's Coca Cola 600. At the Army's 236th birthday celebration, they entertained the masses at the Durham Bulls baseball game. Then they traveled to Kansas City with a host of Fayetteville residents for the Civic Action Fair, where Fayetteville was up for a city award. Prior to the grand Fourth of July event on post, the group just returned from five days in New Orleans at the Essence Music Festival. 

Having the most seniority, Sgt. Devon Odom has been performing with the group for five years. Odom leads the group in rehearsals as their director.

Recruiting for the All-American Chorus is ongoing, and auditions are held when slots become open as soldiers move or ETS from the Army. The service member must have two years left of time-in-service in the Army, as it is a two-year assignment. 

Sorry folks, Uncle Sam says they must keep their day jobs. However, their patriotic tunes are available on compact disc at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville, at Fort Bragg's 82nd Airborne Division Museum, or on iTunes.