FReeper Canteen ~ Honoring Women Military Bands ~ 20 February 2007

Internet ^ | February 19, 2001 | Soaring Feather

[Soaring Feather]

Today, we honor, Women Military Bands.


400th WAC Band
Source:Women's World War II Military Bands

Good Morning, Troops!
Thank You for your service!

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FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT

Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allies military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before.

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On July 20, 1942, the first contingent of women was inducted into the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. By early 1943, five bands, the 400th Army Band, 401st Army Band , 402d Army Band, 403d Army Band, and the 404th Army Band were composed entirely of women. WAAC bands were later redesignated and officially activated in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) on January 21, 1944.


Eventually the only Army Band made up entirely of women, was the 14th Army WAC Band, activated at Fort Meade, Maryland in August 1948. The 14th reported to the Women's Army Corps Training Center at Camp Lee in March the following year. Its commander was WOJG Katherine V. Allen, a graduate of the Julliard School of Music. She also attended the Boston Conservatory, University of Virginia, and The College of William and Mary. Under WOJG Allen's command the 14th Army WAC Band toured many different regions including the Fifth Army area of responsibility, Hollywood, California, and the Rose Bowl Parade in 1951.

The very first military all women band, the Women's Army Band organized at Fort Des Moines in 1942, was led by then Sergeant Mary Belle Nissly. As a result of special legislation, early in 1944 WAC Sergeant Nissly became the first woman in military history to win a warrant officer band leader appointment.


Warrant Officer Nissly left the Army in 1946 but returned to the service as a Captain in the Air Force in 1951 to organize the United States Air Force WAF Band.


The 50 member concert unit performed all over the world playing everything from classics to rock and roll and mambos to marches. Their home base was Norton AFB in California but they were on the road 70% of the time. Unique to the WAF band was the only woman coach horn soloist in the USA - Technical Sgt Martye Awkerman, pictured above in the shadow image.


In the mid 1950's the WAF band played in New York City and as an Air Force recruiting sergeant at the time, I had the pleasure of being their escort. When they played at the dress rehersal of the Garry Moore Show the program's orchestra "vacated the orchestra pit" and invited the WAF Band to take the stage and play for the show. Circumventing the musician's union rules this way was a grand tribute to the WAF band.

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Please remember The Canteen is a cyber home for our Troops, check your politics at the door.
All information comes from the Internet.

[MEG33]

Saturday storms are predicted here..how severe is yet unknown. Showers were predicted for today but not a drop yet.

[beachn4fun]

Mowing already? Geez, seems strange when I look out my window and still see snow and ice! LOL Come on 60s.

[MEG33]

;) I love my kitty find!

[MEG33]

The Global Warmers will love seeing our weather..it is not normal. I hope you get some relief soon.

[beachn4fun]

Me,too!

And, as much as I'd like to snag it, I'm not.

I'll let it be solely yours!

[MEG33]

;)

[MEG33]

;)

[beachn4fun]

We are, finally.

Most of this week is suppose to be in the 50s. We're going to get some rain as well.

These temps I can live with.

[SevenofNine]

I got question can we send Tomkow to North Korea maybe Chia Pet would keep him CAN WE CAN WE

If that happen don't be surprise Tomkow be new Dear leader of North Korea LOL!

[CMS]

Afternoon Beachn! *HUGS* How are you?

[SevenofNine]

More breaking news off Hareetz wire report 3 US women are kidnap in Nablus Israel at this hour maybe by Hamas terrorists YOU THINK

[Kathy in Alaska]

Glad you made it home in one piece. How the kids remember something besides the swimming pool. LOL!

[Kathy in Alaska]

wh!!

TS.....#50!!
Tamar.....#100!!
Luv.....#150!!

[beachn4fun]

((((CMS))))

Haven't seen you in ages. How ya doing?

[CMS]

I'm alright. I've been busy chatting with my girl at night and that has been taking up my time lol.

[oyez]

Don't forget the Navy WAVES Band.
(I wish I know who, what, when and where about this photo)

[Tamar1973]

If that happen don't be surprise Tomkow be new Dear leader of North Korea LOL!

I'm sure tomkow appreciates the eviction notice. LOL!

[Tamar1973]

3 US women are kidnap in Nablus Israel at this hour maybe by Hamas terrorists YOU THINK

If they end up dead, can we nominate them for the Darwin award?!

[Tamar1973]

[Tamar1973]