Recollections - February 2011 Photo Revealed
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. --
It may have been the desolate winter months or the photographs I chose, but the emails in response to the recent photographs in the "Recollections" feature have been a bit scarce. To counteract this, I thought featuring a photograph of Colonel Gabriel and a guest artist would help generate more responses. It worked! Thank you to everyone who sent in comments about January's photo.
Of course, we did know this photograph was of Bob Keeshan, aka Captain Kangaroo. I found this photograph in the 1979 volume of our Colonel Gabriel albums. It was one of many photographs taken at the concert and the program was included in the album as well. The concert date was February 25, 1979 and was at DAR Constitution Hall. Mr. Keeshan was featured on "The Man Who Invented Music" by Don Gillis and "The Magic of Walt Disney" arranged by Mike Davis.
Here are a few of the responses we received:
While I do not know the date of this photograph, Colonel Gabriel is obviously quite amused by something Bob Keeshan (aka "Clarabel the Clown" from the "Howdy Doody Show", and "Captain Kangaroo" show) said.
- MSgt Ron Bork, (Ret.), USAF
At this concert with Captain Kangaroo, we promoted him to Major!
At an appearance on the "Tonight Show", movie actor Lee Marvin, related a story to Johnny Carson. He said that he was a Marine in WWII and was wounded on Mt Surabachi on Iwo Jima. He was carried to safety by fellow Marine Bob Keeshan, Captain Kangaroo. The story has been refuted by some who claim that Lee Marvin was wounded on the island of Saipan. He did receive the Navy Cross for heroism and is buried at Arlington Cemetery. His marker simply states...Lee Marvin, US Marines, WW II.
- Colonel (Ret.) Arnald Gabriel, Conductor Emeritus, USAF
I would also like to thank Senior Master Sgt. George Singleton (Ret.) for his help in identifying many of the members of the group.
The photographs featured in "Recollections" may not generate a memory about that specific event but it often brings up other memories from our former members. We appreciate hearing from our alumni and encourage you to contact us if you have a memory from your time with The United States Air Force Band that you would like to share. Please email me with your recollections. We look forward to hearing from you!