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Recollections - March 2011 Photos Revealed

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tracey MacDonald
  • The USAF Band
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. --  When I came across the photographs featured in last month's Cadenza, I have to admit, they weren't a complete mystery. It was clear that the singer was Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Juanita Williams. What I wasn't sure of was the nature of the event or context of the photos.

I decided to speak with Juanita herself about the photographs. When I showed them to her, she recognized the concert immediately. She was pleased to see the pictures and was instantly able to provide this information about the photographs from the early 1990's:

"I remember this concert well. It was one of my favorite times in the military--performing the "Drug Free" concerts. I liked reaching out and talking to the kids."

She went on to add:

"I have been blessed to be able to still sing all over the world in front of thousands of people but my most memorable moment will always be singing the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' with the Concert Band on Veterans Day at Arlington. It was the absolute best! And yes, I'm still singing."

Senior Master Sgt. Williams (Ret.) is still connected to The United States Air Force Band as she works with the supply office to expertly tailor our performance uniforms. Additionally, Juanita was recently featured with the Airmen of Note this past fall at their 60th Anniversary reunion concert. We are so pleased to have such a treasured, former member remain close to our organization.

Thank you to everyone who emailed Juanita's identity to me. It was great to hear from all of you. Often, those email's start a dialogue that lead to a discovery about another member's time in The United States Air Force Band. We are always looking to expand our archives with your recollections. Please feel free to email me with your memories or photographs.