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Taps and the Military Bugler: An Interview with MSgt (Retired) Jeff Hatfield

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Craig Larimer
  • USAFA Band
27 July 2015 --  Taps's tradition traces back to the most volatile times in American history and honors fallen American soldiers with 24 musical notes. The first recorded use of Taps is in debate, though an earlier version of the tune, "Scott Tattoo," was used 25 years before the Civil War. Union Army Brig. Gen. Daniel Butterfield is credited with the first use of Taps in its current form.  Many legends surround Taps, but the same theme was always present--reconciliation and peace.

With the passing of over 640,000 veterans each year, it is nearly impossible to support every military funeral with a live performance of Taps; most ceremonies now utilize a recording as an alternative to a live performer. Military band trumpet players can attest to the privilege of performing Taps for our fallen heroes. Master Sgt. Jeff Hatfield, who recently retired from the U.S. Air Force Academy Band, has a lifetime of experience as a trumpet player--he performed classical, jazz, and pop repertoire during his 22-year Air Force career.  Arguably, the most important aspect of his job was serving as a bugler for hundreds of military funerals and memorial ceremonies.  I recently asked him a few questions to reflect on his unique and honorable position in the U.S. Air Force Academy Band:  

Senior Airman Larimer: How many ceremonies do you think you've been a part of over the years?

Master Sgt. Hatfield: I've probably performed Taps for over 200 funerals/events in my career. It most certainly could be more, but that's just my best guess.

Senior Airman Larimer: From your perspective, what is the typical protocol of a ceremony?

Master Sgt. Hatfield:  SHOW UP WITH PLENTY OF TIME TO SPARE! This is a gig that you do NOT want to be late for. The bugler is to position himself/herself near the grave site, angled from the firing party (ideally the bugler, firing party, and funeral party will form the three points of a triangle). The bugler should take care to stand in a location where the sound will carry to the funeral party and where he/she can be seen. The bell of the instrument should be pointed toward the casket.

Senior Airman Larimer: How do you feel about using a recording for Taps?

Master Sgt. Hatfield: It's just a disgrace to have to use an electronic device for Taps. We, as the Academy Band, use every resource to try and get a bugler to perform in person, no matter what the cost. This to me is one of the MOST important aspects of our job.

 
Senior Airman Larimer: Is Taps ever played outside of funerals for any reason?

Master Sgt. Hatfield: Yes, there are many other military functions where Taps is played. I've played for Air Force Academy class reunions, various dine-ins and dine-outs, Memorial Day events, etc. to honor all fallen military members.

Senior Airman Larimer: What was it like performing Taps for the first time?  Were you nervous? 

Master Sgt. Hatfield:  Yes, I was extremely nervous.

Senior Airman Larimer: Do you still get nervous performing for these ceremonies?

Master Sgt. Hatfield:  I don't really get too nervous anymore.

Senior Airman Larimer: What are some memorable experiences regarding Taps that you can recall?

Master Sgt. Hatfield: I think that one of my most memorable Taps performances was up at the Academy cemetery. I played for a deceased retired Colonel in windy, sub-zero temperatures. I wasn't sure that I could even get a sound to come out of my horn when it came time to play, but I knew that I HAD to get it right, and somehow it worked out fine. Taps is something that you just can't mess up, no matter what the circumstances.

Another very memorable performance happened just recently. I played at Evergreen cemetery here in Colorado Springs for a retired member of the military who had passed away. Just before the service, the deceased member's spouse walked out to me and told me how much it meant for her to have a live bugler rather than a recording. She had tears coming down her eyes and I just lost my composure and started to cry. We, as buglers sometimes forget what an honor it is to render Taps (since we do it so frequently) to a fallen member and how much it means to the spouses/family of those that have passed away. Some of the other most memorable have been during flyovers with the missing-man formations. I've played for quite a few of those at the Academy, and they are very emotional.

Senior Airman Larimer: Do you plan on volunteering to play for funerals after you retire?

Master Sgt. Hatfield:  Absolutely! There aren't enough buglers in the entire military band career field to cover all the funerals that occur on a daily basis in the U.S., so I'd definitely love to volunteer where I'm able.