The Air National Guard Band of the Midwest, formerly known as the 566th Air Force Band, is proud to have served the soldiers and citizens of the United States of America for over fifty years. It has performed before millions of people throughout the country as well as parts of Europe and the Caribbean. The band has been privileged to bring the message of the United States Air Force to a varied and dignified audience, which includes Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, elected state government officials, and the President of the United States.
The unit traces its history to Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho, where on 1 October 1941 it was activated as the 66th Army Air Force Band and later re-designated as the 566th on 27 December 1943.
As of 24 May 1946, the unit was allotted to the Illinois Air National Guard and was formally referred to as the 566th Air Force Band.
The band's original home station in Illinois was Chicago's Municipal Airport (known today as Midway Airport), and was later transferred to Orchard Field (now O'Hare) Airport on 2 June 1949.
On 1 April 1951, the 566th Air Force Band was activated and reassigned to Donaldson Air Force Base in Greenville, South Carolina where it was attached to the 126th Bomb Wing.
By 1 January 1953, the band once again returned to the Air National Guard and was again stationed in Chicago, where it ultimately was attached to the 126th Air Refueling Wing at O'Hare until 28 July 1999.
The 566th Air Force Band, now attached to the Peoria Air Guard, is very proud of both its military and musical heritage, and looks forward to an exciting new era and a new partnership with the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria.