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Duty Calls: Air Force Band preps for inauguration

January 7th, 2009
In the days leading up to the inauguration, two bandmembers—Master Sgt. Brian McCurdy and Tech. Sgt. Jay Heltzer—will post guest blogs on AirForceLive. Be sure to check back later for their first entries. Today, SSgt Monique Randolph, from Air Force Public Affairs Agency's Emerging Technology Division, attended the band rehearsal and gave us a preview of what's to come.




Duty Calls: AF Band preps for inauguration in rain or shine
by SSgt Monique Randolph

Despite heavy rains and temperatures in the low 30s, the show went on for the U.S. Air Force Band as they prepared for the Presidential Inauguration this morning. The band departed their headquarters in Historic Hangar 2 at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington D.C., at 5:15 a.m. for their second day of inaugural rehearsals. Today’s event took place on the flight line at Andrews AFB, Md.










With a dark, overcast sky and a fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers as backdrops, 112 Airmen rehearsed for the Jan. 20 inaugural parade, marching to the "Air Force Song" as if it were a sunny day in May.

"It's an amazing opportunity to not only be a part of receiving the incoming president—the 1st African-American president—but to also be out in front for all of America to see what the Air Force is all about," said MSgt. Torrance Martin, Air Force band first sergeant. "It brings so much joy to my heart. It's indescribable."

As a member of the band's staff, Sergeant Martin will march in front of the band in the upcoming parade. Several local media were on hand, recording and speaking to the bandsmen about the event as well.






Photos courtesy of MSgt Cecilio M. Ricardo, Joint Hometown News Senior
Photojournalist






Below: Video of the U.S. Air Force Band practicing the "Air Force Song."






Posted by Paul F. Bove, Air Force Public Affairs Agency
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