Recollections - May 2010 Photos Revealed

I should know something about this photo, but most of what I think I know is conjecture, based on uniform style, my hair style, Tom Gauger's leisure suit and the general setting, which I'm guessing is in the green room at Constitution Hall, where we always played our Guest Artist concerts. I can't pin an exact date or year to the photo, but based on my uniform and hair style, I figure it was taken between 1977 and 1980. Both Tom Gauger and Carmen Dragon appeared with The USAF Band from time to time back then, and it seemed that Carmen and Gabe had developed a friendship, and certainly a mutual admiration and respect. Mr. Dragon had become well-known as conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra, and his arrangement of "America the Beautiful" still thrills audiences everywhere, so it was both exciting and an honor for me to play in a group conducted by him. Tom Gauger was a local radio personality who emceed for us many times, both at DAR and on special concerts such as Fourth of July shows. Both men must have really enjoyed appearing with the Band, since they availed themselves so many times and for basically no pay, and both were delightful to work with. Of course, if The Band itself weren't enough bait to attract such personalities, Col. Gabriel definitely was, with his vitality, engaging smile and good looks, and robust musical style. The guest artists loved him!