USAF Band of Flight Greets New Commander Published July 18, 2008 By MSgt Carolyn Sargent USAF Band of Flight Wright-Patterson AFB, OH -- The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight will officially say goodbye to Lieutenant Colonel Alan C. Sierichs on 22 July at 11:00 a.m. A formal Change of Command ceremony will be held at AFMC Headquarters, and the baton will be transferred to the incoming band commander, Major R. Michael Mench. AFMC Commander General Bruce Carlson will preside over this ceremony. Lt Col Sierichs has commanded the Band of Flight since 2000. During this assignment he has been instrumental in establishing the very popular concert series at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Under the Colonel's baton, the band has played for many dignitaries, including President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, General (Ret) Colin Powell and former President Bill Clinton. During Sierichs' tenure the band performed at many special events, including the reunion of the Doolittle Raiders and the return of the Hanoi Taxi. In 2007 the band had the distinct honor of playing at the funeral of former President Gerald R. Ford in Grand Rapids, Mich. Sierichs' next assignment will be at Bolling Air Force Base with The Air Force Band. "While it's going to be exciting to serve the Air Force in the nation's capital, it will be really tough to leave this very special group of people in the Band of Flight," said Sierichs. Major Mench assumed command of the USAF Band of the Golden West at Travis Air Force Base, CA, in 2004. Prior assignments include Deputy Commander of the USAF Band of the West at Lackland AFB, TX, and Officer-in-Charge of the Ceremonial Brass, Concert Band, Airmen of Note and Public Affairs and Technical Support of the US Air Force Band at Bolling AFB, Washington D.C. Best wishes to Colonel Sierichs and welcome Major Mench!