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 heat and minor technical difficulties, Sheppard held a successful Independence Day celebration on the Parade Field featuring free food and water, a concert by Vocal Trash and other activities July 3. The band performed classic songs with high energy using vocals, humor and street instruments. Maj. Robert Hoskins, 82nd Force Support Squadron commander, said the celebration showed Airmen that the Air Force and community care about them. He said the celebration was prepared to support about 3,500 people, but due to extreme heat, about half were in attendance. Anthony Silva, break dancer in the band, said he was honored to perform for the military members and was glad he could entertain despite the conditions. He added it meant a lot to him to perform for the people who gave him the freedom to do so. "This heat makes everything worse because it brings the mood down, but we got through it. 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. We loved performing and they loved the performance." Airman Dustin Lucas, 364th Training Squadron, said he thought 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 said he felt appreciated that Sheppard held the event for him and his fellow Airmen. "We didn't used to have events like this for Airmen," Major Hoskins said. "A lot of people did a lot of work to make this happen." Major Hoskins said if it wasn't for community support, the celebration would not be possible. "They sponsored everything," he said.