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“Angel In Fatigues” by Field of Grey
March 19, 2007
Field of Grey is a band out of Saint Louis who will rock you. They broke into the local scene in the summer of 2004. Soon afterwards, they began touring the United States. In 2005, they went into a local studio and made a 3 song demo record. Their songs began to quickly get attention. In November 2005, their debut album, “Warning” was released and has proven successful, with sales worldwide. Field of Grey is definitely a band to watch. I think when you hear them, you’ll understand why. Members of the band are; Blackie Starks, J.P., Robert Lloyd and Dalee Thomas. Their song “Angel In Fatigues” is a dedication to a Hero, Sgt. Amanda Pinson, who lost her life in Iraq.
Sgt. Pinson, age 21, was assigned to the 101st Military Intelligence Detachment, 501st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Sgt. Pinson was killed on March 16th, 2006 when a mortar round detonated in Tikrit, Iraq. Sgt. Pinson was 98C Signals Intelligence Analyst and she was the first female Signal Intellgence Analyst to ever be killed in combat. The US Army’s new Crytology Center has been named ‘The Pinson Center’ in her honor.
A year after Sgt. Pinson’s death a memorial service was held in her honor. Blackie Starks from Field of Grey attended and sang an acoustic version of “Angel In Fatigues.” Blackie’s words below convey just how special Sgt. Amanda Pinson was to everyone who knew her.
So I was a part of something today that meant more to me than most people will ever know..
A year ago a girl I only met once but had an instant connection with, was killed in Iraq..
I don’t mean a “I love this girl” kind of connection, but more of a “wow, I feel like i’ve known this girl for years” connection.
I am prior military and served time in the Desert storm and operation provide comfort, some know that, some don’t.Amanda was just leaving for the US army and heading to Iraq in 2 days and her cousin Jennifer, who I’ve known since high school brought her out to field of grey show..
I jokingly tried to talk her out of going. I don’t know why because I’m usually a huge supporter of serving our country and would never discourage someones dream..
but something that night was different and I knew I had to to tell her not to go. but nonetheless, those that knew Amanda Pinson knew that she was strong willed and would do it anyway. I gathered that from hanging out with her for only a few hours.
Flash forward to today. Amanda’s family, Jennifer in particular asked me to come and perform at the family’s memorial today. I went and played the song that I wrote for Amanda called Angel In Fatigues.
I can tell you I was floored that they allowed me to be a part of this. I was a bit nervous actually because I mean this was SO important to her family and I wanted to do the best I could.
And anyone who knows me knows that I do not get stage fright but this was different.
And the song itself was one of the hardest thing I’ve ever written. I actually broke down and cried several times during the hour long writing process of the song. I kept breaking down and had to put the guitar down for ten minutes and then go back and start again…
I know I pulled from the memory of her, what Jennifer told me of her and also I was very inspired by the death of my own mother in 2002 right around this time…
I know that’s why I wanted this to be the best song I’ve ever written and it still is my all time favorites……
Blackie Starks
Amanda, we miss you
I’ll close with the lyrics to “Angel In Fatigues,” and I think you’ll understand why this song and the band Field Of Grey are indeed very special.
[audio:https://soldiersmind.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/field-of-gray-angelinfatigues.mp3]
Angel in Fatigues
Dedicated in loving memory to Sgt. Amanda Pinson & her family
Chris Blackie Starks of Field of Grey
March 22nd, 2006
Off to war with no more reasons
Then to see the world of the unknown
She packs her bags to join the legions
Of all the heroes that left before
Said Ill be home in time for holidays
And I swear to call from time to time
But if you need me, you know my name
Just look to the sky cause thats where angels fly
My Angel in fatigues
My hero with military wings
My Angel from everywhere you know
My hero Ill never let you go
Packs her bags hiding what she fears
Time to go, holding back the tears
The last words spoken before she turned away
Please dont worry, cause Angels never fade
My Angel in fatigues
My hero with military wings
My Angel from everywhere you know
My hero Ill never let you go
Never forget never forget What our heroes mean
Never forget never forget When the Angels sing
Never forget never forget What our heroes bring
What our heroes bring when the Angels sing
Thursday morning, March 16th
The Angel flies on military wings
Free to roam the heavens above
Never take for granted a heroes love
My Angel in fatigues
My hero with military wings
My Angel from everywhere you know
My hero Ill never let you go
To hear more of what Field Of Grey has to offer, visit their website, or their MySpace Page,
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11 Responses to ““Angel In Fatigues” by Field of Grey”
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This is a great story and song. More people need to honor their friends and family who fight for our country!
Nice tribute, nice song! God bless Sgt. Amanda Pinson. May she rest in peace and know that her service and sacrifice to her country is appreciated and honored.
Tammy and wordsmith, thanks for stopping by. I agree with both of you, this song is a wonderful tribute to a very special Hero.
Thank you for such a wonderful write up. Our family appreciates all the kind words.
My pleasure. It’s our goal here at ASM to not only honor our heroes but also those who support them.
Well hey there, Terri.
First & foremost, THANK YOU! Not only for honoring our hero, but for honoring Field of Grey / Blackie, as well. They truly deserve it! Since the first time I asked them for help, they stepped right up to the plate and offered themselves freely. “Angel in Fatigues” has offered my entire family some form of therapy and for that - this song is that much more priceless. Blackie did an amazing job on the lyrics. Almost as if he was reading my mind.
For the rest of you - please, please, and one more time - please LOL - go check out Field of Grey. I worked in the industry prior to losing my cousin and they are literally that good.
Thank you, once again, Terri!
From the entire SGT Amanda Nicole Pinson family.
Jennifer, not only is it my pleasure to honor our Heroes, especially the ones who have laid down their lives for this Country, but it’s also my pleasure to let people know about great artists such as Blackie and Field of Grey. They, as well as the other artists we’ve featured here at ASM have a message for our Troops that they need to hear. We hope that by featuring them here, our Troops will hear that message Loud And Clear.
Terri
Good bye, Amanda. Rest in Peace. I never forget…
3CWO. T. Chrastny, Military Police DET, Al´Shaiba, Iraq
Thanks for stopping by Chief Chrastny. Amanda was in deed a special soldier.
i love that song because it was made for my cuosin
I was just referred to this website from a friend of mine so that I can view the words to the song. This is such a pleasure to see that Amanda was remembered this way. I was deployed with Amanda and her unit and I was her mentor while in Iraq. She was whimsical, spiritual, and very cheerful. God bless her family and her mother in hopes that even through the holidays we can get through it. SGT Pinson will never be forgotten.