Country Crooner "Flys" Refueler to Hawaii

  • Published
  • By Maj. Shannon Mann
  • 916th Air Refueling Wing
Seymour Johnson AIr Force Base, N.C. --  Much of today's country music is deeply rooted in patriotism and Ansel Brown's music is no different. In fact, his love of nation comes from a personal understanding of what it means to grow up in a military family.

In early June this country newcomer expanded his knowledge of ships and seas by spending some time with the men and women of the 916th Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve, and trying his hand in the KC-135R simulator.

Brown, best known for his anthem "Our Country," partnered with the USO of North Carolina in November 2012 to perform a private concert for military members and their families on Thanksgiving in Charlotte. His patriotic music caught the attention of a few 916th members in the crowd, but it was his song "When You Fly" that had them asking him, "So have you ever flown in a tanker?"

The artist admitted he had not been on an air-to-air refueling flight, but was excited about the opportunity. Since sequester put a hold on all civic leader orientation flights, Brown was invited to learn about the mission of the wing in a slightly different way, by flying the simulator.

"I got to land at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii," Brown said. "I spent time at that base with friends growing up there when my family was stationed in Hawaii. It looked so real flying over the island."

Brown's not a total stranger to aviation. His wife, and partner in song-writing, is an accomplished aviator herself, as well as an air traffic controller with the FAA. But Brown's real claim to fame in aviation history is writing and performing the song "When You Fly" for the landing and farewell ceremony of the final space shuttle mission.

Brown will tell you that his music is inspired by events in his own life or an emotion and passion that he has for certain things.
"Music allows me to reach people in a deep and memorable way," Brown said. "When it comes to patriotic songs like "Our Country," it's a way for me to tell the world how I feel about my country and the men and women who serve or have served this nation."

Brown's experience with the 916th Air Refueling Wing will stay with him for a while as few people ever get the chance to fly in the simulator. Even more memorable will be the short time he got to spend with the Airmen of this decorated wing.

"People like me, and there are a lot of us, love and admire what you do in the service of our country," said Brown. "The 916th Refueling Wing has a really awesome role and I can't wait to experience a real refueling mission with you!"