KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Members of the Air National Guard's Band of the Smoky Mountains have returned home to Tennessee from deployment in Southwest Asia.

The 10 members entertained troops throughout the region during a tour that began July 22. Their mission was to perform in areas too dangerous to receive a USO tour.

The guardsmen performed more than 30 concerts, including shows in the Kyrgyz Republic for children at orphanages, village community centers and cancer centers.

The part-time airmen, who play rock-and-roll songs, are stationed at McGee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville and returned there on Thursday.

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