Sonicflood guitarist Phil Baquie to deploy to Afghanistan November 15

Photo of Phil Baquie from press kit

Sonicflood's Guitarist Phil Baquie Deploys to Afghanistan

Sonicflood's Nashville based guitarist Phil Baquie recently received orders that he is being deployed to Afghanistan this Sunday, November 15, for about a year as part of "Operation Enduring Freedom."

"To say I am in shock would be an understatement, said Baquie. "I was not anticipating this happening anytime soon as I'm in the Inactive Ready Reserve. Having said that, I will serve my country with honor and am grateful for all America has done for me and do still feel a sense of duty to serve in the areas I have been trained."

Phil Baquie Becomes a U.S. Citizen

Originally from Australia, Baquie has lived in the US for over ten years. He was not an American citizen when he received his marching orders in October, but said he would like to become a US citizen before leaving to serve. On November 3, Sonicflood band mate Rick Heil posted on Twitter, "Just had the honor of witnessing Phil being sworn in as an American citizen. Yay Phil... We are so proud of you!!"

Gospel group Sonicflood sent out an email with a note from Baquie which read in part, "I write this with tears as I have loved being a part of this band and believe in everything it's trying to accomplish.  I hope that the position of guitar/bgv will be held upon my hopeful return from Afghanistan.  I love you guys so much and am believing that God is in control and has amazing things planned for Sonicflood and the journey he has me on."

Giving Back to America

"I wanted to try to give back to the country that has given me so much," Baquie told Nashville's ABC affiliate. Baquie concluded a recent email press announcement about his deployment with these words:  "To God be the Glory and God bless America."