In the summer of 2007 after learning of an impending deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Indiana National Guard sought the support of the 38th Infantry Division Band. The band had recently debuted a new auxiliary rock band, Rapid Fire. 

Rapid Fire received rave reviews for performances in and out of Indiana, including a live performance at the Indianapolis 500. The brigade asked Rapid Fire to arrange, perform and record two songs in support of the deployment. The Soldiers of Rapid Fire, along with many other members of the band, enthusiastically took up the mission and under a short suspense and more than a little anticipation delivered the recordings in time for the Nighthawks' departure ceremony.

When I Chose to be a Soldier captures a rare glimpse of the relationship between deploying Soldiers and their children, the beloved Army Brats.

Nighthawk is a rousing and uplifting salute to the citizen Soldiers of the brigade.

Both songs are available here for free download in MP3 format compliments of Rapid Fire, the 38th Infantry Division Band and the Indiana National Guard.

For those who are of the means and wish to support the Soldiers of the Indiana National Guard, we ask that you consider a donation to the Indiana National Guard Family Relief Fund:

Indiana National Guard Relief Fund, Inc.
Hoosier Trust Company
Attn: Connie Allman
9339 Priority Way, West Drive, Suite 130
Indianapolis, IN 46240

Nighthawk         When I Chose to be a Soldier

Rapid Fire Photo Gallery By Sgt. Mike Krieg