TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Galaxy, a country and pop music group from the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West, performed a special Independence Day concert for the residents of Paradise July 4.
More than 150 men, women, children and U.S. military veterans attended the celebration. Arriving early, they set up lawn chairs on the green, grassy hillside of Paradise Community Park, which is situated in the center of town.
On Nov. 8, 2018, a destructive and deadly fire broke out in northeastern Butte County, along Camp Creek Road. The fire burned intensely for 17 days and was battled by thousands of firefighters from around the country. Before the fire was 100 percent contained it became the largest and deadliest wildfire in history killing 85 people and destroying 18,804 structures.
The goal of the concert was to uplift the paradise community, said Master Sgt. Clinton Whitney, Galaxy vocalist.
“It was such an honor to perform for these brave men and women who have been through so much,” Whitney said. “When they were smiling, singing and dancing, it filled me with so much emotion, and we were thrilled to be able to give them the patriotic celebration they deserve.”
Nearly a year after the fire, many residents of Paradise are living in campers, trailers and the few houses that are still standing.
“Our people needed this so much,” said event organizer, Monica Nolan, a member of the Paradise Chamber of Commerce. “So many of our residents are hurting and broken from the fire, and it’s so nice to have this positive celebration, and a gesture that their country cares for them.”
Galaxy performed two sets after being introduced by Jody Jones, the mayor of Paradise, which featured a medley of service songs and concluded with “America the Beautiful.” After the concert, the band met with paradise residents and family members.
The band is planning to return to paradise to perform a holiday concert in December. For more information about the band’s performance schedule, follow the band on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bandofthegoldenwest/.