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Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. – U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Jazz M. Vu, a musician with the 2nd Marine Division band, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, was awarded the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Musician of the Year award.
The yearly Staff Noncommissioned Officer Musician of the Year award is given through the field music program to recognize the dedication of a Marine to their craft and their drive to motivate and inspire those under them. Twelve bands select a Marine to represent them as the best they have through a process involving a recorded solo and intense look at the Marines Military Occupational Specialty proficiency and other musical skills.
Since the establishment of the United States Marine Band in 1798, Marine musicians have upheld a tradition of professional excellence and have performed in foreign nations from the hallowed grounds of Belleau Wood to the scorched sands of Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the 2nd Marine Division Bands most influential and memorable performances is conducted in Belleau Wood for the annual anniversary ceremony.
For Vu, the Marine Corps and its legacy left an impression from a young age. The few times he saw Marines while growing up on joint service bases inspired him by the presence they carried with them.
Growing up in a military family, he had the chance to see and meet service members from a variety of branches. “But whenever I would see a Marine, their aura was just next level.” Vu recalled. “Ever since I was a kid I loved challenging myself, and the Marine Corps was one of those ways I could.”
Vu spoke about his experiences playing at the Belleau Wood anniversary ceremony. “It not only honors what we’ve done and how strong our ties are with the international community, our allies.” said Vu. “But being there at the cemetery, you’re standing there and you’re like ‘I’m part of this history.’”
Vu was also give the chance to deploy to Iraq, where he would support Operation Inherent Resolve. During his tour he was able to educate himself on the nature of the operation and middle eastern culture. “If I had the opportunity to go and do it again, I would.” Vu said. “I’ve never felt more of a purpose doing something than doing it with the Marines.”
One of the most challenging aspects of being a Marine is taking charge and leading those under you, a task Vu has found aided by his newfound status as Staff Noncommissioned Officer Musician of the year. He’s surprised by the new light in which his Marines see him. The status that comes with the award has given him a new way to influence his Marines.
“They see not only just a Marine that they can trust and be led by, but they can also be influenced in a way where I don’t have to say anything to affect positive change.” stated Vu. “They’re influenced, they’re inspired, they’re motivated and in turn they make me motivated.”
Moving onward, Vu will be travelling Boston, Massachusetts, to partake in a joint performance along with Navy Band Northeast and once again returning to Belleau Wood for the 108th anniversary ceremony.
“It’s people’s faith in me as a Marine musician, it’s people’s belief that I can represent the field, I can represent the commandant, I can represent the 2nd Marine Division.” Vu said about the award. “It means so much to be in this position and I am truly honored to have been selected.”
| Date Taken: | 03.23.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 03.25.2026 09:30 |
| Story ID: | 561153 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 25 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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