Throughout history, commanders have used music to raise morale and espirit de corps of the soldiers before battle.  Patriotic songs and stirring marches have always been used for these occasions.  

Our present day change of command ceremonies symbolize this time honored tradition. The playing of “Sound Off”, originated during the crusades.  Troops offering themselves for battle were drawn up in a long formations while the band counter marched before them to honor those soldiers chosen to serve. The Baldric worn by the Drum Major is the Band's guideon on the parade field. It displays the unit's crest and the unit’s campaign credits. In days before radio communication, the band played a major role on the field of combat.  In the heat of battle, when voice commands were difficult to hear, the mace carried by the drum major was used to relay commands to the band, who in turn relayed the commands musically to the soldiers.

Music was used in biblical times for praise and worship.  In the days of Moses songs were sung to celebrate victory.  And long before Airborne Girl Productions began writing original anthems, Solomon in biblical times was pretty much the Top Ten writer of the day.  He authored 1,005 different songs.  It would be hard to say if the tempos matched those of the “Airborne Swing” or the “SOC HOP” from Airborne Girl Productions, but Solomon’s writings were beautiful and equally descriptive in lyrical content. 

Airborne Girl Productions believes that music is still a powerful, inspirational tool to rally the troops, celebrate victory, and for soldiers to offer praise and worship, even on the battlefield.  You don’t have to be a good singer or even a musician to enjoy music.  Music is born in the heart, and when it comes from the heart, it is very beautiful.  It is still a universal language and international encourager.

"I strive to write for the entire circle of the soldiers’ life.  Some anthems are written for strength and encouragement while on the battlefield, others are written for the heart and inspiration, and some for the family.  While anthems like “Little Warriors” can bring even the toughest combat soldier to draw up tears, others like “Airborne Swing” are lighthearted and funny, and offer a relaxed atmosphere to forget the troubles of the world for a while.  A good example of a fun song is the upcoming release of “SOC HOP.”  It is a spirited rock ‘n’ roll tune that pays tribute by humor to the Special Operations Command, aka, SOC.

"There is no particular formula for writing," states Ms. Neff.  “Follow Me” was written on an airplane after spending two days at Ft. Benning and learning about The Airborne School.  It was not planned; it just happened.  Other writings have specific themes, and I sit and write a sketch of what I want to say, and the style of music that I want.  After spending time with particular units over the years, I have learned that I just can’t rush the writings.

If it is an anthem that is unit specific, then the Commander will be allowed to review all the words to insure that unit history, tradition and conformity are correct in the lyrics.  They don’t hear the music until the final mix is completed, and I present it to them.  No one has thrown one back at me yet.

I receive letters and e-mails from soldiers around the world who have my music.  To hear them share with me that it inspires them, makes me happy beyond measure because they are the ones I am writing for.

To simply be remembered, as “the writer who wrote for soldiers” will be the greatest tribute anyone could pay to me.  I live to write for soldiers.