In recognition of its 2003 deployment to Iraq on a morale and spirit-lifting mission during the first holiday season after the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the <a href="http://www.amc.army.mil/pa/AMCBand.asp">U.S. Army Materiel Command Band </a>was awarded an Iraq Campaign Streamer during a ceremony at the band's practice facility in building 2184 Nov. 21.
Maj. Gen. Fred D. Robinson Jr., commander of Aberdeen Proving Ground and the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, and Chief Warrant Officer Frederick Ellwein, AMC band commander, presided over the ceremony.
Robinson said the streamer "represents devotion to duty" and that he was honored to present it to the organization for its contribution to "the quality of life" for deployed troops.
"It's amazing how something as simple as music can have such a dramatic impact," Robinson said. "I can't thank you enough for the difference you make everyday to our fellows in arms, and I know you will continue to uphold the position you represent to our nation's armed forces."
Ellwein shared a "brief historical sketch" of the band's history and the Army Band Mission and said that the award is "a milestone that few Army bands achieve."
"The reason is that [the band] holds the distinction of being the only Major Army Command Band to deploy," Ellwein said.
He said he was proud to represent Chief Warrant Officer Robert Larsen, the band's commander during its 2003 to 2004 deployment.
"This award is testament to his vision; his vision executed with professionalism and dedication by the Soldiers and noncommissioned officers assigned to the band during the stated time period," Ellwein said.
He added that two remaining members of the band, Sgts. Levi Graves and Josephine Diglia, were "present with us today."
"Without a visionary leader or professional NCOs to make the vision a reality, we wouldn't be gathered here today," Ellwein said. "As we prepare to celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving, it is an appropriate moment for me to give thanks for the professionals that make a commander's vision a reality."
Robinson presented Ellwein with the band's revised Lineage and Honors certificate.
"This document constitutes the unit's birth certificate, its service record and its deed to organizational properties," explained Sgt. Steve Lah, the program's narrator.
"The Lineage and Honors Certificate is a permanent official document prepared by the Force Structure and Unit History Branch of the U.S. Army Center of Military History. This certificate reflects the newly added Iraq Campaign Participation Streamer."
By order of the Secretary of the Army, the certificate was signed by Lt. Col. Sylvia A. Bennett, chief, Military Awards Branch. The program closed with the singing of 'The Army Song' and 'Arsenal for the Brave,' the AMC Song that was written by AMC Band members Sgt. 1st Class Robert Bauerle and Spc. Amanda Justice.
<b>AMC Band</b>
The AMC Band has deployed each year in support of the warfighter in the Global War on Terrorism. The band has performed numerous times throughout Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The unit's other awards are the Meritorious Unit Commendation, streamer embroidered Fort Monmouth, 1944 - 1945, and the Army Superior Unit Award, streamer embroidered 2004.
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