ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The boom, boom, boom you hear from Forward Operating Base Lagman on Thursday and Friday nights isn't artillery rounds - it's a heavy mix beat laid down by enthusiastic disc jockey, Sgt. Deon D. Matthews of the Virginia Army National Guard's 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Matthews, a Sanford, N.C. native and signal support system specialist, has a passion for music and taking care of Soldiers. He has been DJ'ing a karaoke night and dance night for more than a month and a half.
"I love music and was looking for a way to relieve stress," said Matthews. "The guy who was DJ'ing before me was sent to Kandahar, so the dining facility manager put out a flyer looking for volunteers. I did an audition and now the rest is history."
Matthews purchased music and a "deck," used to mix songs, with his own money to make the popular evenings a success with service members. The events are advertised and open to everyone on the FOB, civilian or military, with 20-30 regular attendees.
FOB Lagman's dining facility manager supports the event by contributing music from his personal collection and joining in on a microphone to karaoke singers who need … extra support.
"It's a chance to network with people from all over the base," said Matthews. "We have a good time and learn about our fellow Soldiers. It would be great to see more of our Soldiers come out and enjoy it ... relax and enjoy the music."
Matthews, a former Marine with deployments to Somalia and the Mediterranean, has been with the National Guard for five years and works as a call center analyst as a civilian. He was previously with the 229th Chemical Company out of Rocky Mount, N.C., but transferred to the Virginia National Guard for a promotion opportunity.
"I was promoted into the unit and my first day at drill I was told, 'Congratulations! We're deploying,'" said Matthews with a laugh.
Every popular DJ attracts fans and groupies, and Matthews is no exception. One of his most ardent supporters is Army Sgt. Anne M. Korsness, an unmanned aircraft systems repairer from Virginia Beach, Va.
"Wednesday is Romanian dance night with DJ MeMe, but Sgt. Matthews is really good," said Korsness. "I'm glad he took over. He has a lot of songs that aren't in the karaoke book. The music has ranged from country to blues and Shakira. Last time, I sang 'You Don't Buy Me Flowers Anymore' with Chief Preston. She can hit the high notes better than I can."
Like Matthews, Korsness has a flair for music and supporting the unit: she regularly attends choir practice on Thursday nights at the FOB Lagman chapel. Other than the gym, chow, and fun runs there are few opportunities to socialize outside of work on the base. Matthews and Korsness hope to change that.