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The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EST on September 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status without pay until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.

Senior Master Sergeant Benjamin M. Bowers

Senior Master Sgt. Benjamin M. Bowers is a clarinetist with the Concert Band, The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Originally from Falls Church, Virginia, his career in the Air Force began in 2005.

Before joining the Air Force, he performed at the Aspen Music Festival and School, the Round Top Festival Institute, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. His teachers include Anthony Gigliotti, Ronald de Kant and Joaquin Valdepeñas.

A graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Bowers received a Bachelor of Music degree in Clarinet Performance. He also received an Artist Diploma from The Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.