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Band lays to rest former member

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Jenn Pagnard
Washington, D.C. --  On March 27, The U.S. Air Force Band laid to rest a former Band member at Arlington National Cemetery. Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Elizabeth Schouten passed away on Nov. 26, 2013 after a battle with lung cancer. Chief Schouten retired from the Air Force in 2011 after serving 30 years in The U.S. Air Force.

Chief Schouten began her career as a clarinetist in the Concert Band in 1981. During that time, she performed with the Concert Band in concerts and ceremonies throughout the 48 contiguous states and seven foreign countries. Her distinguished career includes playing for seven Presidential Inaugural Parades, from President Reagan to President Obama before billions of people via media broadcasts.

Schouten attributed a series of coincidental encounters with military Band members leading to her audition for the Band. She said, "You never know who will influence your future career or goals." Her elementary school band director, George Dietz, was a clarinetist with The U.S. Army Air Corps Band in the 1940s. She continued her musical studies in junior high under the direction of Edwin Daugherty, a former tubist with The U.S. Air Force Band's Ceremonial Brass. However, the most significant coincidence to happen to Chief Schouten as a student was when she performed at a solo and ensemble competition. The adjudicator was retired Air Force Major Al Bader, who was a staff officer with The U.S. Air Force Band. He encouraged her to continue studying music in college and later audition for the Band. She took his advice to heart.

During her 30 years in the Band, Schouten served in many different musical and administrative positions, culminating her career as the Band's superintendent. Just before she retired she was interviewed for an article for which she said, "I feel so honored to have served this great country, where we are free to elect our leaders and have the opportunity to choose our career path."

Chief Master Sgt. Elizabeth Schouten's life was taken from us far too soon, and she will be sorely missed. She is survived by her husband, former Band member, retired Air Force Master Sgt. John Schouten and their son, Nicholas. We at the Band wish to extend our deepest condolences to them and the rest of her family at this sad time.