By Staff Sergeant Alexander Borisov
Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps Public Affairs

For over 30 years, the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps has participated in Fiesta San Antonio bringing a splash of true Army pride to what’s considered “Military City USA.”

“The people of San Antonio, Texas welcomed the Corps with open arms and were extremely receptive. We were treated like rock stars everywhere we went – it was an awesome feeling,” commented Sergeant First Class Chris Hirt, Snare Drum Section Leader.

One of the fife and drum corps’ perennial favorites is Night in Old San Antonio, referred to as NIOSA. In an area reminiscent of a small village in the heart of San Antonio, various ethnic groups native to the area set-up shop offering local foods and gifts. NIOSA offers great entertainment while drawing thousands of spectators each evening.

“NIOSA is an experience that everyone in The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps longs for. The kind where the streets are so crowded, and the people are cheering for you so loudly, that it takes everything you have to keep your composure. That’s my kind of event,” explained Staff Sergeant Kara Loyal, Fife Instrumentalist

Much like beads are to Mardi Gras, medals are to Fiesta San Antonio. Each organization comes bearing their own unique design that quickly becomes a collector’s item as the week progresses. This year, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps unveiled their first ever medal; sporting an image of a fifer in front of the White House, it was a highlight of Fiesta.

The Fife and Drum Corps played at not only Fiesta events, but also reached out to local schools throughout the San Antonio, Texas region. The corps performed shows and gave the children an opportunity for question and answer sessions.

Staff Sergeants Joshua Salazar and Kara Loyal and Sergeant First Class Chris Hirt give school children high-fives after their performance.

“Wherever we go, it’s always a prime initiative of The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps to teach the next generation of Americans the great history of fifing and drumming. There’s nothing quite as touching as seeing the young children light-up as they hear the Corps play,” said Sergeant First Class Richard Ruddle, FDC Public Affairs Supervisor and Snare Drum Senior Instrumentalist.

In addition to Fiesta and school performances, FDC visited Fort Sam Houston, home of the Army Medical Department. As such, their medical facilities see to the care of wounded soldiers returning home from conflicts in the Middle East. The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps had the privilege of performing for a number of these soldiers the day prior to concluding their San Antonio mission.

“Knowing the Army is taking such great care of these soldiers and the fact we were able to play for them was the highlight of my trip. There’s no greater honor than giving hope to our injured comrades,” expressed Staff Sergeant Scott Jamison, Snare Drum Instrumentalist.

Fiesta San Antonio offers a truly “Texas-sized festival” that always leaves a lasting impression on the people of San Antonio and the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps will always remain an integral part of its flair and color. And as the San Antonians say, ¡Viva Fiesta!