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!

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Troops, for your service to our country.

USCG Spars Concert Band

[Kathy in Alaska]

SPAR Marching Band 1945 in parade honoring Admiral Nimitz

[MEG33]

Good evening, Kathy..

I just witnessed the most spectacular sunset I can remember..just wish I had been out in a pasture to view it..It reached across the sky with scattered clouds among the blue. reflecting violet to vivid shades of pink..I had just turned on the computer, looked out the glass door and ran to the backyard to catch it..

I had been unloading groceries and almost missed it..

[Soaring Feather]

USCG Spars Concert Band



Good find, Kathy.

One of my Aunts was a Spar.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Cool about your aunt. Thanks to her for her service to our country.

.....and their shoes don't look very comfy for marching in parades. d:o)

[Kathy in Alaska]

US Navy WAVES Drum & Bugle Corps

[Tamar1973]

[Tamar1973]

[Tamar1973]

[Tamar1973]

[Tamar1973]

[Soaring Feather]

WOO HOO!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Click on the pic and I'll guide you
to the start of the new thread



CLICK BELOW to ENTER the
FR Canteen Post Office, Support Our Military and Vets Links and Info

FR Canteen Post Office Established November 30, 2001

Will You help keep the Candle Lit for our service men and women?
Can you spare a few moments today to either
e-mail them or learn about sending packages to them?
Many of them are away from home for the 1st time.
PLEASE Click on the graphic and help cheer them up.
You will stay right where you are on this thread while you write them.

NOTE: CANTEEN MUSIC
posted daily and on the Music Thread
for the enjoyment
of our troops and visitors.

[AZamericonnie]

Happy Happy birthday dear Cody! Hope it was a special day! *Hugs*

[oyez]

Sal-lute!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Now THAT's a great salute! Thanks.

[Kathy in Alaska]

And thanks for your service to our country.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Still catching up...

Thanks, acad, for Tuesday's daily dose o' da blues.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Catching up...

Good morning, sjb. I'm about 3 days behind in pings. Have a great day.

[stephenjohnbanker]

Good morning, Kathy. You have a great day as well!