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NEWS | Aug. 14, 2018

AG visits 29th Infantry Division Band

By Cotton Puryear JFHQ Public Affairs

Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and his wife Cheryl visited the Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band Aug. 12, 2018, to tour the facility and sit in on a rehearsal. Maj. Gen. Williams played tenor saxophone, and Mrs. Williams played trombone.

“The Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division Band are great ambassadors for the Virignia National Guard, and they carry our message across the commonwealth through their concerts and other performances,” Williams said. “I am always impressed by their musical ability, and we are fortune to have them provide such a professional image for our organization across the state.”

Williams thanked the Soldiers in the band for their hard work and also commended them for their ability to respond to missions on short notice.

The band was focused on getting ready for a concert mission scheduled for Sept. 8, 2018, in Onancock, Virginia, explained Chief Warrant Officer 2 Donald Carlson, commander of the band.

“The two guests are accomplished musicians and were able to sight-read the band’s program,” Carlson said. “All the members of the band are grateful for their support, and we appreciate their taking time to visit our facility and spend a few hours playing music with us.”

The Williams are both alumni of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and played in the Highty-Tighties, the Corps of Cadets’ regimental band, and they are still active in the Henrico Community Band.

About the 29th Infantry Division Band

The 29th Infantry Division Band consists of 34 enlisted Soldiers and one chief warrant officer. Its mission is to support the Virginia National Guard as well as other organizations with musical performances around the state.

The 29th Infantry Division Band contains 7 musical performance teams (MPT’s). These include the concert band, marching band, ceremonial band (The Normandy Winds), rock band (Easy Green), brass ensemble (Normandy Brass), clarinet ensemble, and the fife and drum ensemble. Additionally the band has a color guard and a sound reinforcement team.

According to Carlson, the Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division Band perform an average of 45 missions per year, half of which are community support events. Unlike the other half of their missions, these are performed for civilian audiences, many of whom have limited knowledge about the Virginia National Guard. At the end of every concert, attendees are encouraged to talk with Soldiers to learn more about their mission, the Virginia National Guard and the military in general.

Upcoming Performances:

Aug. 25, 2018: 9 a.m. at Commonwealth ChalleNGe Graduation in Virginia Beach
Aug. 25, 2018: 3:30 p.m. at OCS Graduation at Fort Pickett
Sept. 8, 2018: 6 p.m. Concert in the Park in Onancock
Sept. 9, 2018: 10 a.m. at the 329th RSG Change of Command at Fort Pickett
Oct. 13 2018: 5 p.m. at the 100th 29th Division Association Conference in Roanoke
Nov. 10,2018: 11 a.m. at the Roanoke Veterans Day Parade in Roanoke
Nov. 11, 2018: 7 p.m. at the Veterans Day Event in Bassett
Dec. 8, 2018: 1 p.m. at the 2018 Wreath’s Across America Ceremony at the Southwest Virignia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin

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