(audience claps)
First Sergeant Brian C. Hildebrand enlisted
in the army in 1986 as a musician, completing training
at Fort McClellan, Alabama and the U.S. Army School of Music
in Norfolk, Virginia.
He then served as a featured soloist during his three years
with the 36th Army Band at Fort Huachuca.
After working as a band director in Arizona public schools,
he reenlisted back to the Army in 1997.
Since then, he has held every enlisted leadership position
from Team Leader to First Sergeant during his assignment
at six different duty stations, culminating
in his assignment as a first sergeant and acting commander
of America's first corps band.
His most significant contribution was from 2016 to 2017
at U.S. Army Garrison Yonsang in Seoul, Korea, serving
as the acting Command Sergeant Member
of the Eighth Army Band.
He led 61 soldiers and four kotusas in six music performance
teams for over 300 music missions, training
for engine control point security with a theory-wide
exercise, key resolve.
Joining First Sergeant Hildebrand today is his spouse,
Mrs. Angel Hildebrand.
By order of the Commanding General, America's first award,
the Legion of Merit, is presented
to First Sergeant Brian C. Hildebrand
for exceptionally meritorious service
over a 26-year career, culminating
as the 56th Army Band First Sergeant.
(cameras click)
At this time, Major General Graham will present
the national flag to First Sergeant Hildebrand
on behalf of a grateful nation.
(cameras click)
Now Major General Graham will place the retirement pin
on First Sergeant Hildebrand and present
the Certificate of Retirement.
(presenter mutters)
The Department of the Army Certificate of Appreciation
is present to Mrs. Angel Hildebrand on the occasion
of the retirement of her status, a match of status
with the United States Army.
First Sergeant Hildebrand and his wife Angel plan
on staying in the Joint Base Louis McChord area.
First Sergeant Hildebrand plans to work
in public service in Olympia, Washington,
while staying musically active, volunteering
as a low brass musician in the American Legion Band,
singing with his local church and the Capitol City Chorus.
Angel will work as a transition counselor
at Hawke Transition Center here at Joint Base Louis McChord.
Ladies and gentlemen, First Sergeant Brian C. Hildebrand
and Mrs. Angel Hildebrand.
(audience cheers)
- Well, first of all I love Colonel Strider's comments
about supporting the first responders.
It's just huge right now, so much is going on.
In terms of my personal life, I've been so honored
to be able to serve as a musician for the Army.
The things that we do to bring heart, to bring
just encouragement to the troops is huge, and I just
had the honor to serve with Julliard graduates
and folks there that are just of the highest caliber
of musicians, but they chose to serve out there playing
for the Fourth of July, for holiday concerts, just
increasing the spirit and the intent
of our soldiers to do their mission,
do all those awesome things that the Colonel
was talking about.
Of course, and I follow the Colonel's thoughts as well
in terms of thanking my God.
Nothing gets done without him being first.
Number two, most important on this earth my wife Angel.
Nothing gets done in my life without her encouragement
and her love, and I think the standard's been set
for some canoodling.
(audience laughs)
(audience cheers)
So thank you very much, I appreciate it,
and I'm a soldier for life.
(audience yells)
(audience cheers)
- Okay, we probably have a few words to read,
so we're gonna stop all that.
- Of course sir.
- Okay, you good with that?
- That'll work, sir.
- All right, so I need the applause-o-meter.
We don't have the band out here, we don't have
a sound system set up, but I do have the HHB commander
who can come up here and she can sing the corps song.
(audience murmurs)
No, I don't think, no.
If they would've, I know she would embarrass us all.
No, she would nail it, okay?
As we started this off, just want to say thank you
to the families here of both of ya for the amazing support.
Altogether half a century of support
from the families here to these two amazing soldiers.
We thank you for what you've done, and we know
that you will continue to live within us,
because your legacy is them, right?
And they will take that and continue to pass that on.
So Major, last words?
- I think you covered it all, sir.
- Okay, all right folks.
Thanks for everybody who put this thing together
on their amazing, beautiful day here in western Washington.
So Godspeed to both of you two and your families, thank you.