One Journey Ends, Another Begins

On a brisk Sunday evening, members of the military gathered to wish a fallen comrade a safe voyage home. A ramp ceremony at Bagram, Afghanistan officially marked the last musical mission for the 1st Cavalry Division Band, and the first for the 1st Infantry Division Band. With such a momentous occasion, it was only fitting that the two musical teams would work together as one unit. As the fallen hero was carried onto the bird, music filled the air, and 1st Cav patches stood shoulder to shoulder with 1st ID patches.
This ceremony was the 400th musical mission the 1st Cav band participated in during their yearlong tour in Afghanistan; a feat that, according to 1SG Barrett of the 1st Cav Band is, “An impressive accomplishment considering we were also tasked with a security mission while in country.” In contrast, the members of the 1st ID band hit the ground running as those that participated in this ceremony had boots on ground for less than week when the tasking came down. . SPC Brent Watts, a trumpet player with the 1st ID Band, reflected on the ceremony stating, “I’ve played many funerals before, but playing just hours after the incident happened is a very different experience. I look forward to what this deployment has to offer.” As 1st Cav’s journey ends, 1st ID’s journey begins. One thing is certain, both division bands are looking forward to what the future holds for them.