Team Eglin members band together for "Clinch 46"

  • Published
  • By Minty Knighton
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  For five Team Eglin members, "Clinch 46" is more than a title of their Top 40 band, it represents their passion for music. 

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Rosciglione, a Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE) specialist for 372nd Training Squadron; Tech. Sgt. John Shackleford, F-15 Aircraft Armament Systems instructor for the 372nd TRS; Senior Master Sgt. Ross Matson, squadron superintendent for 486th Flight Training Squadron, April Lewis, 96th Medical Group and Daniel Austin, a 46th Test Wing electronic technician, have managed to bring their talents together and create not only a band, but a friendship. 

"April, the singer for the band and I have been playing together for a couple of years," said Sergeant Rosciglione, lead guitarist for the band. "Then a friend I knew told me about Ross, who is our drummer."

In a pinch, Sergeant Rosciglione asked around his office for a bass player and got "Shack", Sergeant Shackleford. Shack knew Mr. Austin, who played rhythmic guitar and was also a singer.  The combination of them all "clinched" it for the band. 

"The name was kind of based on a lot of things... Shack was doing Mixed Martial Arts training at the time and Clinch came from that," said Sergeant Rosciglione. "And the basis for 46 was the 46th Training Squadron, as it was one of the major squadrons we all worked around."

"Clinch 46" has played for local military and community venues including squadron parties, local area hangouts and  will soon play for the Air Force Sergeant's Association banquet in Panama City, Fla. 

"We'll play anywhere," said Sergeant Matson. "To me, there is no limit." 

Our main music style is more energetic. We play everything from Janis Joplin to Pink, said Sergeant Rosciglione. 

Much like the name of the band, these band members are "clinched" by the various musical backgrounds and personalities.

"In high school there was a band that needed a bass player," said Sergeant Shackleford. "I told them I could play, but actually I couldn't. I played anyway and I've been playing ever since." 

"My dad was in a band and I started at three singing back-up," said Ms. Lewis. 

Dan Austin, a former producer for an underground hip hop label was active duty for 10 years. He grew up around music. "My dad was a drummer and my first performance was in his classic rock band." 

Sergeant Rosciglione played the saxophone growing up. 

"My dad always told me sax would attract the ladies; he was wrong," said Sergeant Rosciglione.  "Guitar was more contemporary and I stayed with it."

Sergeant Matson, a 25-year veteran to music has played in almost every place he's been stationed. He's even had a short stint in the Air Force's Tops in Blue. 

That talent and experience show through every time Clinch 46 takes the stage.

"I've played in several bands, but this is the most talented," said Sergeant Rosciglione. "Everyone is phenomenally talented and everyone works as a team." 

For this group there are seemingly few challenges, just hard work. 

"There are challenges like scheduling and it's almost like a second job," said Sergeant Rosciglione. "But when you're on stage, it's totally worth it."