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From the Commander

  • Published
  • By Colonel Dennis M. Layendecker
  • The USAF Band
Bolling AFB, Washington, DC --  Dear Colleagues and Friends of The United States Air Force Band,

How quickly seven years have flown! Retiring from active duty effective 1 September 2009 to return to public education, I am tempted to reflect and reminisce over these past 26 years. It has truly been my privilege to serve this Nation as a member of our Air Force, particularly doing what I love most to do ... make great music with great people. I am both inspired and humbled by the overwhelming professionalism of all of my colleagues in uniform, across all services. However, I well up with emotion as I ponder and remember my fellow Airmen-Musicians who I have been honored to command and conduct across the globe. I owe all of them a debt of gratitude that I admittedly can never adequately repay. Over the past quarter of a century they have put their minds, hearts, and souls into the music they have played. In the process they have consistently lifted me up ... along with millions upon millions of grateful listeners! Words cannot possibly capture my profound respect, admiration, and sincere gratitude for what they have accomplished.

I shall always believe in and promote the missions of our Air Force Bands. However, it is the people I have been honored to serve and to serve with that will always remain in my fondest memories. I shall never forget their efforts and devotion to duty, either in our Regional Bands, or within the ranks of our premier outfits stationed here at the 11th Wing in Washington and at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Recognizing all of these folks, I still must convey that it has been my particularly singular honor to have returned to the unit where my family and I began our Air Force journey 26 years ago. I can truly say that "America's International Musical Ambassadors," The United States Air Force Band, Washington, D.C. is one of the greatest groups of military musicians and finest people one could ever ask to lead. I am extremely proud of these magnificent men and women for the tremendous job they have done for our Nation, our Air Force, and for me these past seven years. Myriam, the children and I thank each of you from the bottom of our hearts.

Now, it is my honor to congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Alan C. Sierichs who will assume command of this unit during our Change of Command ceremony, here on our 11th Wing Ceremonial Lawn on Bolling AFB, 29 June at 0900. Alan is an outstanding choice among a group of superb candidates considered, interviewed and recommended by our 11th Wing Commander, Colonel Jon Roop and approved by HQ Air Force. I am certain he will do a magnificent job here! Alan, as you have served us so brilliantly as our Deputy Commander this past year, you know you are taking command of one of the very finest military musical outfits in the world. Given your substantial and successful record, you clearly merit it. There remain many wonderful opportunities for improvement ahead, and you possess the vision, leadership, competence, and professionalism these opportunities will require. Thank you for your continued service here and, as I retire, accepting the challenges that lay ahead as the senior leader of our career field! My family and I extend our very best wishes to you and Bettye for your continued success and happiness.

To all of our Airmen-Musicians across our career field whether you are on Active Duty, serving in the Air Guard or with the Reserves, or are now settled within the ranks of our retired community ... once again, I thank each and every one of you for your service to our Nation, to our strategically essential Air Force, and for insuring that our great Air Force heritage of professional military music making continues long into the future. I shall continue to monitor your activities with committed interest from my new position as The Heritage Chair in Music and Director of Orchestras at George Mason University.

To all friends of The United States Air Force Band ... if you thought our music was great before, Ladies and Gentlemen ... YOU AIN'T HEARD NOTHING YET! Go get 'em Alan!

Extending to each of you my very fond regards, profound respect and sincere appreciation, I shall remain ever gratefully yours ...



Dennis M. Layendecker, Colonel, USAF
Commander and Music Director, The USAF Band
Chief of Music, The United States Air Force