Photo By Victoria McAdoo | SFC John Dowler is the audio and visual engineer for the Army's "As You Were," rock band.... read more read more
FORT KNOX, Ky. – SFC John Dowler is starting the process of preparing for his fourth degree in higher education, seeking his Master’s in Music Production, from Berklee College of Music.
Currently SFC Dowler holds three bachelor’s degrees in music education, music performance, from the University of Southern Mississippi and music production from Berklee College of Music. A resident of Fort Walton Beach FL, Dowler enlisted in the Army out of Crestview Florida, after working as a middle school band director.
SFC Dowler is an active-duty soldier and member of the, ‘As You Were” rock band, a recruiting outreach company in the Mission Support Battalion where he serves as the band’s audio and visual engineer and production manager.
In July of 2021, while playing with the 101st Band at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, SFC Dowler had the opportunity to meet members of, “As You Were,” and in February of 2022 he officially reported to Fort Knox to join the band.
Since then, he has traveled the country from Miami Florida, all the way to Pasadena and Sacramento, California, ensuring the band’s audio and visuals are perfectly executed, a skill he taught himself by watching YouTube videos. “Musicianship in the Army is a hidden gem of service, Dowler stated. Having the opportunity to do what you love to do, be creative, travel and meet awesome people is what musicians dream of.” Many of those awesome people include the Red-Hot Chili Peppers, KISS, Pearl Jam and Alanis Morisette, all with whom the band has had the opportunity to share the stage.
While touring for shows, the band conducts shaping operations in the form of high school visits. “As a former teacher, these are the best days! The kids are just so excited as soon as the lights go off, they start screaming. For many, rock is a new genre they do not normally listen to, so we are excited to be their introduction to rock music.” The shaping operations help drive the accessions mission by providing insight into life as an active-duty soldier and the lesser-known opportunities available in today’s Army.
In addition to his musical contributions to the army, SFC Dowler is a Master Resiliency Trainer, Master Fitness Trainer, Master Driver Certified and Air Assault qualified.
SFC Dowler is using his Montgomery GI Bill to fund his education at Berklee. Looking back, he emphasized that he would have joined the Army right out of high school, given the overwhelming personal and professional growth he’s received during his time in service, in addition to the enlistment bonuses and promotion opportunities.
Post service, SFC Dowler is looking to retire in the Nashville, Tennessee area where he can continue to utilize his acquired skill set and education, as a theater sound technician and tour with a production company.
The “As You Were,” band is part of the US Army Mission Support Battalion (USMSB) under the direction of the Marketing Engagement Brigade (MEB). In addition to mobile assets and outreach companies, USAMSB produces branding and interactive products, to generate leads and enhance activation.
For more information about the Mission Support Battalion, “As You Were” band, contact via call, text, or email Mission Support Battalion Public Affairs, 502-956-5998 or Victoria.b.mcadoo.civ@army.mil
| Date Taken: | 06.21.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 07.10.2023 12:33 |
| Story ID: | 447666 |
| Location: | FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY, US |
| Hometown: | CRESTVIEW, FLORIDA, US |
| Hometown: | FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 112 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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