Writing
Bridges Made of Melodies
This was a piece I did featuring the U.S. Army Brass Quintet and the universal language of music.
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MD. – As the members of the ensemble settled into their places, the air filled with anticipation. Their brass instruments sparkled in the warm lighting. The group collectively took a deep breath, ready to pour their hearts into the performance.
The first notes immediately captured the audience, dancing off the walls of the church and echoing in their ears. The individual sounds were like brush strokes, painting a mural of breathtaking imagery. Even without words, the music spoke volumes. Each piece was a different narrative, sharing raw emotions and magical experiences.
On the evening of September 17, 2023, the U.S. Army Brass Quintet enchanted the Ellicott City community with their harmonic storytelling. The quintet’s melodies went beyond just music, creating a bridge between military and civilian communities. Using the universal language, they told Soldier stories and connected with all who attended.
“It’s very difficult for an organization like the military to connect with its citizens every now and then because so much of it is secret in nature,” said Sgt. 1st Class Greg Hammond, the quintet’s esteemed trombonist. “But music is a great way for us to kind of be that handshake between the military and the public.”
This awe-inspiring event was made possible by the Howard County Concert Odyssey. Every year, they organize five to six performances to showcase the musical mixture of talent in the area. Among these performances, there’s always at least one concert dedicated to showing appreciation for those who faithfully serve the country.
“I think it’s fantastic having military ensembles perform,” exclaimed David Perkel, HCCO concert organizer. “The concerts are always a smashing success because the musicians are so unbelievably talented.”
Throughout the entire concert, the audience cried, laughed and cheered, thankful for the musical and emotional journey. The veterans present were touched, their eyes glossy with tears of nostalgia. After every piece they erupted loudly in applause, almost bringing the ceiling of the church down!
In between songs, the band members shared experiences from their own careers. Showing the humanity behind the military and honoring those they’ve lost.
One story they shared was the funeral of Colin Powell, former Secretary of State. The band was asked to perform during the memorial service. While they were putting together song arrangements, the family called with a particular request. The group was surprised to hear they wanted them to play “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. At first they thought it was a terrible prank, but the family reassured them that they were being serious. Honoring the request they played it at the ceremony, soon realizing it was the perfect song to reflect the personality of the family's loved one wholeheartedly.
From the start of the event to the end, the HCCO and the Ellicott City community continuously expressed their delight to have the quintet come perform for their first concert of the year. Everyone had smiles on their faces that spread from ear to ear. The children swayed back and forth, nodding their heads to the melodies. At that moment, there was a sense of belonging and understanding between the attendees and the performers.
“It was wonderful. It’s just so fulfilling to hear the music that honors our country and our military,” said Lissa Hammond, a member of the HCCO and St. John’s Episcopal Church. “We are so honored to have them join us and fill our hearts and souls with all of their gifts.”
For centuries, humans have used music to communicate their pain and happiness. Different sounds and tones are clouds of emotions that can change the weather from stormy to sunny in the blink of an eye. Those details alone have the power to change the mood of a room entirely.
“Music is such a universal language,” said Sgt. 1st Class Hammond, smiling with pride. “You don’t have to know how to make music. You just have to know how to enjoy it. It definitely brings people together in a way that spoken words cannot.”
After the concert, the audience members had the opportunity to personally speak with the members of the quintet. They surrounded the tuneful Soldiers with joy and gratitude, shaking hands and praising their exceptional storytelling.
The U.S. Army Brass Quintet’s performance proved that the universal language of music has the power to bridge together communities, connect hearts and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Third Time's A Charm!
Success story about a Soldier's journey to achieving the Expert Field Medical Badge.
“I can do this!”
Those four words were the driving force pushing Sgt. Romario Williams to run through the finish line of the 12-mile foot march on his journey to earn the title of Expert Field Medic.
Williams, assigned to the Eisenhower Army Medical Center out of Fort Gordon, Ga., earned the Expert Field Medical Badge after a week-long event testing his strength, resilience and mental fortitude Oct. 28 on Fort Bragg, N.C. For Williams, this was his third attempt at earning the coveted EFMB.
“I feel like I’m on cloud nine,” said Williams in reference to finally receiving the badge. “One year ago, I tried for the badge and here I am 365 days later. I feel like a champion.”
The EFMB is the non-combat equivalent of the Combat Medical Badge, and the event consists of a physical fitness assessment, written test, day and night land navigation, three combat testing lanes, and concludes with a 12-mile foot march.
This year, Fort Bragg’s very own 44th Medical Brigade hosted the EFMB competition with 150 participants from across the U.S. Army. The objective of the rigorous testing was to challenge each competitor both physically and mentally. To earn the badge, Soldiers had to display their exceptional competence and outstanding performance in various areas of the medical field. By the end of the qualification, only 39 participants out of more than 150 Soldiers passed all requirements and were pinned the esteemed badge on Pike Field on a beautiful Fall morning.
Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, the 45th Surgeon General of the United States Army and commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Command, solidified the dedication it takes to earn the coveted badge in his speech during the pinning ceremony.
“Many are called but few are chosen,” said Dingle. “Yet even fewer have the intestinal fortitude and courage to compete for the Expert Field Medical Badge.”
During the event, Williams completed multiple demanding tasks that displayed his skills and knowledge of tactical combat casualty care and physical excellence. Williams said his command team was there to support him through every physical and mental obstacle of this rigorous testing.
“My biggest motivation was coming out here and seeing my command team here with me,” said Williams. “They drove up here in the middle of the night and said they’d be here every step of the way with me and that means a lot.”
The EFMB is no small feat and requires perseverance and commitment to attain this badge. According to current statistics kept by the XVIII Airborne Corps, the current pass rate is only 29% for this fiscal year thus far. Knowing this, Williams refused to give up.
“I’m proud of myself for not giving up,” he said. “My first EFMB attempt was heartbreaking. The second one was a little more heartbreaking, but with the third one, not giving up was the key.”
The EFMB sets apart expert medics from their peers and validates professional distinction to the medical profession. After earning the badge and title of Expert Field Medic, Williams plans to pass on his knowledge to other Soldiers, preparing and motivating them to challenge themselves.
“Don’t stop trying,” said Williams. “If it’s your first, or fourth, or 100th time trying the EFMB, don’t stop trying. It’s worth it.”
Dragon's Lair 7
News piece featuring the winner of the seventh iteration of the DoD's premier innovation competition.
Sgt. Roger Litton, an allied trade specialist assigned to the 92nd Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, was selected as the winner of the Department of Defense’s premiere innovation competition, Dragon’s Lair 7, at Austin, Texas, Aug. 16, 2022.
During this event, Litton went up against four other contestants and came out as a champion. Dragon’s Lair is a competition where innovators across the DoD have a chance to present their ideas to a panel of civilian tech leaders and senior military officials. Each of the finalists created their innovation to better the profession of arms.
As a Noncommissioned officer, one of Litton’s responsibilities is taking care of his Soldiers.
While searching for ways to improve efficiency, he discovered that the process of building bridges for combat engineers was labor intrusive and time consuming.
To fix these deficiencies, Litton used his training as an allied trade specialist to fabricate an attachment for a Hydraulic Excavator. The attachment is a post pile driver that will increase efficiency in building docks and bridges by 25%. This innovation ultimately impressed the panelists and won Litton the competition.
“After winning the award, I feel ecstatic right now,” said Litton, “I think the other innovators had some really great ideas, and I am just very proud to be here.”
As the winner of Dragon’s Lair 7, this innovator received an Army Meritorious Service Medal, a military school of his choice, and the opportunity for the DoD to implement his idea.
Moving forward Litton wants to build a second version of his attachment that’s lighter and more secure; he will distribute a build plan so that other highly skilled welders can reproduce his invention.
“When we started this journey about 24 months ago, the commander told us he wants to see tangible innovations,” said Canadian Brig. Gen. Bob Ritchie, former Assistant Commanding General for Operations for the XVIII Airborne Corps. “We saw that today from these five champions - tangible innovations. And that is the one invariant with the Dragon’s Lair. We are on number seven and what hasn't changed is why we do this thing. It’s to unlock ideas.”