EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- “Music is a universal language that helps people express themselves. It really brings people together.”
U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Henry Smith, 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron inspection monitor, spices things up with his DJ skills.
“I started to DJ in 2004 when I was stationed at Osan Air Force Base, South Korea. I heard of all the bad records of people going to Osan and getting into trouble and I didn’t want to get involved in any of that. A week after I landed there, I went to the Mustang Club and asked ‘what could I do to stay out of trouble’ and they put me in a DJ booth.”
Fourteen years later and Smith is still owning the game with performances at all kinds of events including birthday parties and base ceremonies.
“I love doing this for people. I don’t do this for money, it’s just fun for me. It’s one of those things I do for free because it really brings people together and makes everybody happy.”
Moreover, Smith practices a couple times throughout the week and hopes to share his knowledge with his children as they grow older.
“It’s a skill that I want to teach my children. It keeps your brain sharp. You can never have enough skills and you also don’t have to be an expert at it.”
As technology rapidly changes with the times, Smith plans to continue being a DJ as a hobby with the support of his family and friends.
“The biggest thing for me about being a DJ is putting a smile on people’s faces. It’s amazing what happens when someone is having a bad day and seeing them perk up when their song comes on. Seeing that energy in people makes it all worth it.”