JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. -- The Honor Flight Network is known for bringing America’s veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their military service. Over the years, several Honor Flights have made their final stop a visit to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling where they get the opportunity to enjoy the sounds of The U.S. Air Force Band.
For these programs, the Air Force Band presents music of the 1940s and 1950s, encouraging the World War II and Vietnam veterans to dance and sing along. Tunes like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “I’ll Be Seeing You” are nostalgic favorites for the veterans and volunteers alike.
For Tech. Sgt. Nicole Vander Does of the Singing Sergeants, a recent performance was her first for an Honor Flight group.
“It was amazing to watch the veterans’ eyes light up during the 40s music.” she recalled. “We are forever in their debt for the way they served and protected our freedoms, and it was incredibly meaningful to honor them with music they remember.”
Ms. Katherine Cobb, who celebrated her 100th birthday in May 2019, recently participated in an Honor Flight performance on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. She enlisted in the Army during WWII before women were eligible to serve as regular, permanent members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
“It was an honor to meet Ms. Cobb,” expressed Tech. Sgt. Katie Baughman of the Singing Sergeants. “Through her service during the Second World War, she helped break barriers and create opportunities for all women serving today. It was a privilege to honor her with our performance.”
Committed to providing veterans with honor and closure, the Honor Flight Network operates in 45 states and has flown over 159,000 veterans to Washington, D.C., free of charge. The U.S. Air Force Band is proud of our relationship with the Honor Flight Network, using the power of music to cross generational boundaries and thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice.