Vocal Trash celebrates Independence Day at Sheppard Published July 7, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Through 110-degree weather and minor technical difficulties, Sheppard held a successful Independence Day celebration featuring free food and water, a concert by Vocal Trash and several stations of activities on the Parade Field July 3. The band performed classic songs with high energy using vocals, humor and street instruments. Some songs performed include "American Woman," "Sing, sing, sing," "I want Candy" and many more. Maj. Robert Hoskins, 82nd Force Support Squadron commander, said it showed Airmen that the Air Force and community care about them. "We didn't used to have events like this for Airmen," he said. "A lot of people did a lot of work to make this happen." The major said the event was prepared to support about 3,500 people, but due to extreme heat about half were in attendance. Anthony Silva, a break dancer in the band, said he was honored to perform for the military members and was glad he could entertain despite the conditions. "This heat makes everything worse because it brings the mood down, but we got through it," he said. "We loved performing and they loved the performance." He said it meant a lot to him to perform for the people that give him the freedom to do so. "For us to be able to show heroes what we do is amazing," Mr. Silva said. "It brings me joy to know I'm giving something back" Airman Dustin Lucas, 364th Training Squadron, said the performance didn't reflect any difficulties with the heat. "The band had a lot of energy for this heat and will keep our spirits up because it gave us something fun to do," he said. "(During the concert), I didn't care about the heat anymore." Airman Lucas also said he felt appreciated that Sheppard held the event for him and his fellow Airmen. Major Hoskins said the event would not have happened if it wasn't for the community. "They sponsored everything," he said.