AF Band plays for Veteran's weekend Steelers crowd

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Steve Stanley
  • Air Combat Command
PITTSBURGH --  The Air Force Heritage of America Band performed at Heinz stadium in Pittsburgh for the Steelers vs. Bills NFL Salute to Service game for Veteran's Day weekend November 10.

More than 35 members of the Heritage Band performed three service medleys during the half time show for the 60,406 fans in attendance.

"This is my first performance with the band outside of the state of Virginia," said Airman 1st Class James Hubbard, a trombone player for the Heritage Band. "We get to honor our veterans and it's great to boost morale and inspire people. I like it."

Before the band performed during half-time, retired Lt. Gen. William Pagonis conducted a swear in of recruits from each branch of the military including Air Force recruit Stefan Levar.

"I think it's a really exciting opportunity to represent my country," he said. "I think it's really cool that the band came all this way."

The score was 3-0 Steelers during the frosty first half before the patriotic presentations.

"It was pretty cool to see people taking the same oath I took only eight months ago and I can see how far I've come and where I started out," said Hubbard. "It's a big step for them and you can see that."

The Steelers featured numerous events at the stadium to celebrate Veteran's Day. Prior to kickoff, local war veterans were honored, the national colors' were presented by local veterans and Army Sgt. Corrin Campbell performed the National Anthem.

"I think it's really great that the folks here in Pittsburgh invited us out," said 2nd Lt. Justin Lewis, the Heritage Band conductor. "The band is here to honor veterans and say hello to those families that have Service members overseas now. We use music to inspire those veterans."

Before the game, the Heritage Ramblers, a six person ensemble from the Heritage Band performed jazz music outside of the stadium. The crowd began to gather and watch as the newly affiliated Steeler's drum line 'Steeline' joined the group for traditional New Orleans style jazz.

"Just by random chance we invited the Steelers drum line to come join us," Staff Sergeant James Lantz, a Heritage Band trumpet player. "It's what we're all about. "

"We're here to entertain and communicate the Air Force message in a fun way and interactive way, we like to take advantage of those opportunities and give members of the crowd that kind of show," he said. "It's a great way to give reflection and honor the memory of veterans who have served this great country."