The various military bands are one way the branches can connect to local neighborhoods in a positive way. One of the U.S. Army bands recently gave a Christmas concert at the church we attend. It was magnificent, and the pews were filled not only with congregants but others who live nearby. It is one way they support each other, the community and the military branch. It could fall under the recruitment rubric.
My wife had an appointment to interview with the USAF Band of the SE just before we met. She cancelled it when we got engaged. A year later I enlisted in the USAF for six years.
We went on a blind date on May 3 and we were married on June 28. Yes, I know that's only eight weeks but we are coming up on 43 years together.
My wife was a grade behind me, and I remembered her face on the playground in elementary school, but my family moved away at the end of the fifth grade. That is not exactly a blind date but I never really knew her before and it had been nine years since I had seen her which was just enough time for her to become a heart stopping beauty. I told my Dad when I got back home from our date that I was going to marry her.
That all comes flooding back whenever I hear the Air Force Band play. What a blessing, Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" and then "Joy to the World!" I cannot see they keys now. Thank Heaven for touch typing.