This soldier marches
to his own tune

Lt. Col. Gregory Rawlings (89C) has been playing army since he was old enough to carry a toy gun. However, a weapon isn’t all this "Baghdad Bad Boy" is carrying around these days; he's also been seen with a mandolin.

"It doesn't matter where you are, bluegrass pickers just seem to find each other and get together to play," Greg said.

A career soldier, Greg (seated far left in photo) is finishing his second tour of duty in Iraq after previous service in Afghanistan and Kosovo. His love of music has been a part of his career from the beginning. Greg has played for a variety of different audiences, ranging from chapel services held in a tent to a ceremony for Gen. David Patraeus.

Though he holds a degree from Berry, Greg’s formal study of music started at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, Ga., where he met Harry Musselwhite. When Mr. Musselwhite decided to take a job at Berry, Greg transferred so he could continue working with him. Greg also was involved in the ROTC program at Truett-McConnell College and later at Berry, fueling his decision to enter the U.S. Army after graduation. 
 
It didn't take Greg long to find other soldiers who shared his passion for music. On his first tour in Iraq, Greg and several other soldiers formed the "Baghdad Bad Boys," a group of bluegrass players whose mission is to keep themselves and fellow soldiers happy.

"It's a stress reliever and a hobby," said Greg. "Plus, the other soldiers enjoy it too."  

When he finishes his career in the military, Greg plans to travel around Appalachia with his family to rural churches that don't have a music program.   

From Afghanistan and Iraq to rural Appalachia, this "Baghdad Bad Boy" brings music wherever he goes. 

– By Leigh Harris (09c),
Public Relations Assistant