1st Lt. Andrew Yacovone and 1st Lt. Justin Wright, both with 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, practice one of their songs at the USO on Fort Carson Jan. 27, 2016. (Photo by Sgt. Nelson Robles)
By Sgt. Nelson Robles
2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
Downtime is limited while deployed to Afghanistan. Some Soldiers used this time to get in some extra physical training and others called home.
Two lieutenants, meanwhile, were inspired to create music. Taking advantage of whatever time they could find to practice has paid off as the duo has completed its first album and performed at the USO’s 75th anniversary reception in Washington, D.C., Feb. 4, 2016.
1st Lt. Andrew Yacovone and 1st Lt. Justin Wright, both with 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, have been playing guitar together since they met at the Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. They took a step toward becoming a country band during their deployment with then 4th IBCT in 2014.
“Once our missions were complete for the day, we would immediately go to the rooftop of our compound at Kandahar Airfield and play guitar together. That’s where we wrote our songs,” said Wright. “Sometimes we would stay up until 2 a.m. We’d stay up all night to make sure it was good.”
Recording their country sound presented a larger challenge.
“Once we were back in the rear, it was still a constant struggle between finding the time to record it and completing our mission, we were always fighting a timeline,” said Yacovone.
“Everyone said it’s such a hard struggle that no one could make it. For us, that said that we could, since we have an Army attitude about it,” Wright added.
The name of their band even tells a story.
“Andrew came from California and I came from Florida, and there is one highway that connects the two and that’s Interstate 10,” said Wright. “He took that highway to get to Fort Benning and so did I, and that’s where we met.”
They began entertaining crowds at small venues in Columbus, Georgia.
“When we got on stage, we realized we practiced but were limited because of the Army,” said Wright. “We were shaking, but once we get on the microphone and saw the … crowd start bobbing their heads, we were on top of the world.”
Once they completed recording their album, the duo searched for a military affiliated outlet to gain exposure. The USO found them to be a perfect fit.
“Justin and Andrew showcase USO’s mission of strengthening American service members by keeping them connected to Family, home and country,” said Gayle Fishel, USO senior director of public relations.
“Interstate 10’s story is unique. These two had to put their dream of a music career on hold for deployments overseas … and are about to do it again.”
USO has given Interstate 10 the opportunity to perform at its 75th anniversary celebration in Washington.
“Our anniversary is not one to just say happy birthday, it’s about the USO sharing stories of sacrifice and goodness and showing how we as Americans can stay connected to our military,” Fishel said. “We hope people can see this through their story.”
These lieutenants hope to keep up with their fans during their upcoming deployment with the help of the USO.
“There is always the fear of our music being forgotten while deployed,” said Yacovone. “The USO is going to support us on deployment, allowing us to use the USO as a platform to release music while deployed. We can do live video from the USO at Kandahar and Bagram. There is a little more hope there.”
With an album release coming, Interstate 10 will continue to move forward.
“Music is our absolute passion, if there is anything that can pull out our emotions it would be music,” said Wright. “It’s because of the blood, sweat and tears we put into not only the Army, but Interstate 10.”