The 202nd Army Band of the Kentucky National Guard performed a tribute concert on Armed Forces Day to honor America's soldiers. The concert featured patriotic and military music for an enthusiastic audience. A highlight was 29 former band members returning to perform, with some traveling from Michigan and Florida to attend. The concert included reading the names of 108 fallen Kentuckians in the War on Terrorism and playing Taps. The band performed movements from the composition "No Finer Calling" which contains an emotional narration about faith and courage. The 202nd Army Band is currently recruiting new members.

1. 202nd Army Band
of the
Kentucky National Guard
No Finer Calling: A Salute to America's Soldiers
May 23, 2012
Submitted by SFC Steve Baker, 202nd Army Band UPAHR
The 202nd Army Band of the Kentucky National Guard with support from the Frankfort
Arts Foundation performed an Armed Forces Day tribute concert on Sunday, May 20th.
The "No Finer Calling: A Salute to America's Soldiers" concert featured patriotic, big
band era and military march music for an enthusiastic audience at the Bradford
Auditorium on the campus of Kentucky State University.
A highlight of this event was the 29 former 202nd band members returning and 19 of
those members rehearsed and/or performed in this concert. Former members came as
far away as Michigan and Florida to attend. Former Commander John Hoover, CW4
(Ret.) performed as well as guest conducted. Jerry Wallace, SFC (Ret.) said "The
reunion weekend was a wonderful chance to return to my military family. The friendship
and music were very, very special."

2. Former members of the 202nd Army Band (from left to right): Richard Houghton, Steve Flood, Suzie
Kinman, Sharon McGuire Belize, Courtney Spragens, Phil Johnston, Jason Green, John Whalen, Doris
Corcoran, Doug Begley, Jim Barber, Linda Allen, Brian Gorrell, Michael Bonza, David Adwell, John
Hoover, Dan Long and Ron Baker
As a special tribute to the 108 Kentuckians* who have fallen in the War on Terrorism
each soldiers name and rank were read followed by a single chime. The special tribute
continued with the playing of Taps followed by the performance of "No Finer Calling."
The Julie Giroux symphonic composition has three movements: Integrity March and
Fanfare - "Integrity", Far From Home - "Service Before Self" and Honor Above All -
"Excellence In All We Do". The band performed
movements II and III. Movement III contains the
composer's original combat prayer narration
accompaniment during the latter part. SGT Emily
McAleesejergins presented the emotional narration
which reads as follows:
SGT Emily McAleesejergins narrates
during "No Finer Calling"

3. "Lord, God, My Saving Grace. In Your Hands My Soul I Place,
Dear Lord, God Forgive My Sins, Please Let My Faith Not Falter.
Lord, God, Please Grant Me Strength. Let Your Spirit Flow Through Mine.
Dear Lord, God. Let Wisdom Reign and Courage Guide My Journey.
Oh Lord, God. The King of Kings. Armor Born of Love Be Mine.
Dear Lord, God. When My Days End Let Heaven's Light Shine On Me."
It is the hope and prayer of the 202nd that all family members, veterans and active duty
military personnel finds peace and continue to honor the memories of our fallen
comrades. It is our honor to musically "voice" those who cannot.
1st SGT Jim Wallace states "I have never been so proud of the soldiers of the 202nd
Army Band as I was Armed Forces weekend. They supported multiple missions,
honored fallen comrades and celebrated enduring friendships with former unit
members. The spirit and morale of these soldiers is inspiring."
The 202nd is actively recruiting now and looking for trombonists, euphonium, French
horn, oboe and keyboard performers. It's a great opportunity for a young person to
serve his or her country, get world class training and have college costs covered.
For additional information about the 202nd Army Band please contact SFC Angela
Wilkins, 502-607-5331
* For a complete list of Kentuckians visit http://veterans.ky.gov