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U.S. Air Force Band receives Gill Robb Wilson Award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON --  The United States Air Force Band was awarded the prestigious Gill Robb Wilson Award Sept. 14 at the Air Force Association Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. The Gill Robb Wilson Award is presented annually to an Air Force unit for outstanding contributions to national defense in the field of arts and letters, including speaking, writing, media relations, sculpting and painting.

The Band is the premier band of the United States Air Force and executes world-class musical operations at the nation's most esteemed ceremonial and protocol events. Customers for the USAF Band include the president of the United States, foreign heads of state, congress, distinguished visitors, senior military leadership and general public audiences totaling over 17 million people.

"The mission of the USAF Band is to deliver world class musical products that inspire emotions, create positive impressions and communicate information according to Air Force objectives," said Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Connors, USAF Band. "2008 was a banner year for the United States Air Force Band."

The Air Force Band consists of seven musical and six support flights. Some of their most celebrated engagements include the historic Papal visit, with an audience of more than 100 million people; the Dalai Lama's Congressional Gold Medal ceremony; and their 21 summer series concerts at the Air Force memorial that were open to the general public.

"Personnel assigned to the Band all are incredible musicians," said Sergeant Connors. "We bring a unique weapon to the fight. Music is a universal language that breeches cultural barriers. To be recognized by AFA for our contribution is and will be a highlight of our military career."