Recollections - May 2011 Photo Revealed
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. --
Thank you to all of our readers who visited the "Recollections" feature of the Cadenza last month. While not all of our photographs are truly a mystery, they usually reveal information from former members we didn't previously have. Such was the case with May's photograph of the Airmen of Note's trumpet section wearing their "Pinks and Greens".
That same trumpet section was together for 9 years: from 1977 when Vaughn Nark was hired until 1986 when Kenny Smukal retired. Jimmy Lay was the other player. I have a funny story about one of Kenny's valves getting stuck in the middle of a solo at Constitution Hall, but think I'd rather let him tell you about it sometime. Personal stories can sometimes backfire on you. Just ask me! He and I had a good laugh about it at the reunion though.
We enjoyed the Glenn Miller shows at DAR Constitution Hall more so than just a regular 20 minute gig somewhere, as we usually had the "Modernaires" performing with us. This was Tex Beneke or Ray McKinley who were two original Glenn Miller band members. Other memorable Constitution Hall guest artists were with Dizzy Gillespie, the Four Freshmen, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Toni Tenille, Sammy Nestico, Larry Carlton, Diane Schuur, Marie Osmond, just to name a few. Those concerts were not in the "Pink and green" uniforms but rather our mess dress.
The 16 years I spent in the Airmen of Note were definitely the highlight of my 28 and a half year career."
Chief Master Sgt. (ret.) Lawrence Trautman, USAF
We were so happy to receive this contribution from one of our esteemed former members. It was a great addition to our historical collection. If you have something you'd like to share with our readers, please send it via email. We look forward to hearing from you!