The ten songs included in this year’s Reading List speak to our experiences as Airmen, as Americans, and as humans. From popular rock to traditional folk, from patriotic anthems to classical works, the selections connect our heritage with our ongoing missions. First, the high-energy, power ballad, “Send Me,” and the guitar-riffing jam, “Jump In,” celebrate the Airman’s willingness to face challenges head on. The soft “Still in Love” and grinding “Happening Today” capture the appreciation many Airmen have for family and teammates. The syncopated rhythms of “Collateral Duty Blues” and compelling crescendos of “Another Day” portray daily responsibilities in full sound. These six songs were written by currently serving Airmen in response to life in today’s Air Force. The final four songs return us to our foundational roles as Airmen, Americans, and global partners. J. S. Bach’s “Air” beautifully traces the joy of flight. The haunting Japanese folk song, “Sakura, Sakura,” joins traditional and contemporary instruments to connect international partners. The familiar John Philip Souza march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” triumphs American pride and patriotism. And finally, our “U.S. Air Force Song” rallies all Airmen around our heritage of innovation, courage, and camaraderie. Together, the musical selections for this year’s CSAF Reading List celebrate Airmen excellence, showcase the artistry of our Air Force bands, and express what it means to be an Airman in the 21st century.
This power ballad was written in honor of our Air Force special tactics forces and reflects their heroic spirit and dedication (written by SMSgt Matt Ascione and MSgt Ryan Carson and recorded by Max Impact from The USAF Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling).
Today’s Airmen display incredible energy and resiliency when facing all sorts of challenges. This song shows that even when things aren’t going as planned, Airmen should press on and be ready to “jump in” on life’s opportunities (written by TSgt Jason Cale and recorded by Mobility from the Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB).
Families are incredibly important to our Airmen. For many, families are the strongest motivation for serving their country as part of the Air Force. This gentle ballad celebrates that which means so much to many of our Airmen (written by SMSgt Matt Ascione and recorded by Silver Wings from The USAF Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling).
This edgy ballad captures the spirit of determination, teamwork, and innovation common among Airmen as they meet today’s challenges (written by TSgt Jason Cale and TSgt Niko Ellison and recorded by Mobility from the Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB).
As Airmen carry out their mission, it’s often the additional duties that seem to interrupt the day. This song captures the feelings of many Airmen as they work to fit these “collateral duties” into their day (written by TSgt Ryan Janus and recorded by the Falconaires from the USAF Academy Band, Peterson AFB).
