Photo By Master Sgt. Teresa Gallagher | U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Rex Spitler, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command deputy chief...... read more read more
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FORT EUSTIS, Va. - The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band received an international music award at Fort Eustis, Virginia, March 2, 2015.
The Col. George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence for Military Concert Bands is an annual award presented to military concert bands who have demonstrated significant high standards of musical excellence. More than 150 military bands, including all foreign military bands, are eligible for the award.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Rex Spitler, TRADOC deputy chief of staff, presented the citation to Maj. Leonel Pena, TRADOC Band commander, and the Soldier musicians.
“Only two or three bands around the world are awarded this citation each year, so I am really proud of my Soldiers for earning it,” said Pena. “It’s recognition of the long history of success and distinction within this unit.”
The TRADOC Band performed 423 times in 2014, with an average of 10 missions each week, and interacted with approximately 8,000 citizens at the events weekly. Events range from installation ceremonies to community events including national performances like NASCAR races, to performances closer to home including the Virginia International Tattoo and local university sporting events.
“It’s important for us to connect the American public with the professionalism of the Army,” said Pena. “It helps them understand that for Soldiers and other Service members, the military isn’t just a job, it’s a career, and a great one at that.”
Along with the band citation, Sgt. Megan Van Oudenaren, TRADOC Band vocalist, was awarded the Col. Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award. To qualify for the award, nominees must be between the ranks of E-4 and E-6 and exhibit outstanding musical and leadership excellence in both solo and ensemble performances.
“Earning this award means the Army has recognized my potential to leave a lasting impact on the band field that comes with a lot of responsibility,” said Van Oudenaren. “I think it’s also an opportunity for me to help other people achieve that level of excellence and pass that along.”
The TRADOC Band will continue to interact in the local community with their Music in Our Schools program, the Music Under the Stars series on the installation and many more events in the near future.
| Date Taken: | 03.02.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.31.2015 11:43 |
| Story ID: | 158657 |
| Location: | FORT EUSTIS, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 43 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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