Air Force band plays final tribute for President Ford

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.
  • Air Force Print News
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AFPN) --  The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight accompanied by the Air Force Band of Liberty performed in the cold rain Jan. 3 to honor Gerald R. Ford, the 38th U.S. president.

Conducting musical performances for state funerals is the Air Force Band of Flight's No. 1 mission, and with the passing of President Ford Dec. 26, the band from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, was ready.

"We have been preparing to perform at this event for the last six years. We have inspected uniforms, music and travel arrangements to the point of perfection," said 2nd Lt. David Alpar, commander and associate conductor of the Air Force Band of Flight.

The band, joined by the Air Force Band of Liberty from Hanscom AFB, Mass., arrived in Grand Rapids Dec. 30 and began rehearsals the next day. They practiced through New Year's Day with no complaints.

The band members brought rain gear, snow gear, shovels, and other equipment to battle any weather challenges they might face.

Every four months the Band of Flight gathered to train on designated music and inspect uniforms in preparation for this event.

"Every uniform that is part of this event has never been worn before. It is paramount that all uniforms are in pristine condition," said Staff Sgt. Jerry Noble, a percussionist and the sergeant in charge of uniforms.

Twenty-six members of the Band of Liberty were added to their roster and that meant 26 more uniforms, Sergeant Noble said. Fortunately, he had great vendors to call on at 9 p.m. to solve any clothing issues.

The band played "Ruffles and Flourishes," "Hail to the Chief" and arrival and departure hymns during the funeral services at Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids.

"I was really impressed with the attention to detail everyone provided during the performance. I think everything went smoothly," Sergeant Noble said.

"It makes us feel proud to represent the Air Force while honoring President Ford's legacy and life," said Tech. Sgt. Shelley Steepe, the Band of Flight's assistant director of operations.

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