Blending into the backdrop: Air Command Band's chamber ensemble entertains locals during a performance affectionately named the 'Nun Run'. Most of the locals gathered at a mountain Mission, had never seen concert instruments before.

Christmas away from home was a difficult time for thousands of ADF members serving in East Timor, but troops and locals alike received a Dili dose of Christmas cheer thanks to the musical ministrations of the RAAF's own Air Command Band.

In the first deployment of an Air Force band to an operational area since the Vietnam War, the Air Command Band headed up musical support for Tour de Force, a series of morale-boosting concerts for Australian troops on deployment throughout East Timor.

Featuring guest artists Skunkhour, Taxiride, Tim Friedman from the Whitlams and Katie and Sally from Bardot, Tour de Force brought a touch of home to troops based in Dili, Maliana, Suai, Balibo and Batugade.

The Band's chamber ensemble gives a special Christmas treat to Dili primary school children on their last day of the school year.

During their 16-day deployment, the Band boosted their already widely acclaimed reputation with performances for the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), Peace Keeping Forces (PKF) and diplomatic missions in Dili.

Not content with wowing Aussie troops and UN forces, the Air Command Band bowled over locals with a spectrum of performances including school concerts, Christmas church services and police academy concerts.

The last of their 17 performances was a 'gig' with a difference: a chamber music performance in a jungle setting during the weekly mission trip CASG personnel affectionately term the 'Nun Run'. CASG members visit the mountain mission weekly to distribute clothing and other items sent from home and, always up for a challenge and an adventure, Band members tagged along.

CO Air Command Band, Flight Lieutenant John Buckley, said Band members were thrilled to perform their primary role in a deployment situation, with the reactions of troops and locals alike providing heart-warming highlights.

'Many people just had no idea what to expect from the Band and the response was always ecstatic,' said FLTLT Buckley.

'Our troops were so appreciative and the smiles of the East Timorese people had an infectious warmth to them. Their sheer delight in the midst of all that destruction is something none of us will ever forget.'

Other highlights of the trip for Band members included rough and ready road travel on UNIMOGS - always guaranteed to provide a hair-raising (and saddle-bruising!) ride.

Like all units deployed to East Timor for the first time, the Air Command Band faced some interesting challenges. Back home at Richmond the Band use a truck with a hydraulic lifter to transport heavy band equipment and sound gear - some of which weigh 120kg each. With no such vehicles available, versatile Band members put strong backs and high spirits into the job, loading and unloading all equipment by hand.

FLTLT Buckley said Band members were in awe of the job being done by Australian troops in East Timor, and offered 'a big thankyou' to Army and Air Force base members who accommodated them, with special thanks going to all personnel at CASG for their warm welcome and outstanding support.

By FLGOFF Michelle Butler