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Patchwork of passions: Band seamstress can do it all

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julie Weckerlein
  • Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  Her Grammy nominated voice has impressed audiences around the world, including the former President Bill Clinton and thousands of servicemembers.

She’s performed with Bob Hope and Wayne Newton, but finds joy working with convicted criminals.

As a kind and gifted woman, she is considered a “sacred piece of the hallowed halls of U.S. Air Force Band history” by those who work with her.

Nothing’s ever held Juanita Williams back.

Except, maybe, for a silver needle and a stubborn piece of thread.

“I can’t thread this needle,” she mumbles as she bends over an industrial-sized sewing machine.

It’s a rainy afternoon in the nation’s capitol. But in the small corner room of the Air Force band’s home at Bolling Air Force Base, things are heating up.

“This thing has a mind of its own,” she mutters. “Sometimes it wants to cooperate, and other times, it doesn’t.”

Using her long, manicured fingernails, she guides the thread to the miniscule opening of the machine’s needle, holding her breath.

Standing in the doorway, wedged between racks of dark blue uniforms and boxes full of office supplies, Senior Master Sgt. Joe Jackson, director of the band’s Airmen of Note jazz ensemble, watches and waits.

“Do you have a moment to hem these?” he asks about the dark blue pants he’s wearing.

Ms. Williams turns and smiles, and points to a pedestal next to a full-length mirror.

“Of course,” she says.

The thread is immediately, if not temporarily, forgotten as she focuses on her next mission: Ensure Sergeant Jackson’s uniform looks top notch for an upcoming band performance.

Once a week, Ms. Williams -– a 23-year Air Force Band veteran who retired in 1995 -– volunteers as a seamstress. From official service dress uniforms to the glitzy, feathery costumes, she makes sure the band’s clothing is in order.

“I enjoy coming here and helping,” she says after finishing with Sergeant Jackson. “They need the help and I don’t mind doing it.”

In January 2005, she sewed more than 100 uniforms in a short time in preparation for the U.S. presidential inauguration. It was a feat Sergeant Jackson still talks about today.

“I don’t know how she did it, but she always comes through,” he said from atop his perch on the stool.

The irony of her putting people up on pedestals each week is not lost on Sergeant Jackson. If anything, she’s the one on a pedestal -- in the minds of those who know her.

“There’s so much to say about her: A talented, brilliant, explosive performer,” he said. Then he eyed her as she pokes a needle through the fabric. “She’s dangerously efficient, too.”

She smiled and rolls her eyes, folding the material underneath her fingers.

“You better be careful,” she warns.

The banter is light, the result of a working relationship that’s grown over more than a decade. At one time, Ms. Williams stood alongside Sergeant Jackson as a fellow Airmen and band performer.

Raised in Miami by a mother who early on recognized her daughter’s potential, Ms. Williams began her vocal training when she was 3 years old. Her first concert was when she was 4.

She went on to study music at the Fine Arts Conservatory of Greater Miami. After graduating, she decided to join the military -- a “not-so-ordinary” route for most performers.

Ms. Williams joined the Air Force band after her drill instructor heard her sing and recommended she switch career fields instead of becoming an air passenger specialist. She didn’t hesitate to audition for the Air Force entertainment group, Tops in Blue, and for the next 20 years, she sang, danced, traveled and sewed for the Air Force band.

Though she’s shared the stage with major celebrities, her favorite memories come from the simpler but more powerful moments, like the time when she performed in China during the Cold War. Or when she sang “America the Beautiful” for a crowd of veterans.

“It was awhile back,” she said. “It was a Memorial Day celebration, and I just remember the feelings I got from the crowd, the emotions and pride.”

Though retired 10 years now, Ms. Williams keeps busy, and not just with the band. She is completing her bachelor’s degree in criminal psychology and performing with local bands. She is a transition adviser at a Virginia prison, and helps convicted criminals about to leave prison prepare for life outside.

Switching gears from singing to sewing to helping convicts makes perfect sense to her. And she thanks the Air Force for that.

“Being in the military teaches you how to deal with a collage of personalities,” she said. “You have people coming in from all walks of life and they all have to live and work together.

“That knowledge helps me at this (prison) job,” Ms. Williams said. “I’ve found that (criminals) are usually good people who made bad choices. Helping them is very rewarding.”

Those around her say she juggles the responsibilities very well. Chief Master Sgt. Elizabeth Schouten, the band’s chief of supply, credits that to Ms. Williams’ drive.

“She’s a busy, busy woman, but her energy never stops,” she said. “She’s raised a family. Gone to school for her criminal psychology degree. Was nominated for a Grammy. Comes by the band and helps us out. She’s doing so much with her life and she succeeds in everything she commits to.”

And as for that Grammy nomination?

“It was for a jazz CD I released after I retired,” Ms. Williams says. “I didn’t go to the ceremony. In fact, I gave away the tickets. But I kept the book -– you always keep the book.”

After finishing with Sergeant Jackson, Ms. Williams returns to the sewing machine and the vexing thread and needle. With a look of focused determination, she pulls the thread through and within minutes, the hum of the machine competed with only the sound of a small television in the corner of the office.

“There we go,” she said, pushing the fabric underneath the machine. “We’ll have these uniforms done in no time.”

And given her history, there’s no doubt she will.