The beat goes on as Holtan takes command of TUSAB

The men and women of "Pershing's Own" have a new commander as of Dec. 12.

Following a 16-year absence from The United States Army Band, Col. Timothy J. Holtan took command from Col. Thomas H. Palmatier inside Brucker Hall's Col. Samuel R. Loboda Studio on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Presiding over the ceremony and Palmatier's subsequent retirement ceremony was Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan.

Following the passing of the flag of command, Buchanan called Holtan "a well-respected leader," who in the past has served as executive officer of The U.S. Army Band and director of the Ceremonial Band, Herald Trumpets, Brass Band, Chorale and Chorus. Holtan's last assignment was as commander of the Fort Meade, Maryland-based Army Field Band.

In his remarks, Buchanan mentioned that Holtan had now become an Army record setter.

"Tim now holds the distinction of being the first officer to command all three of the Army's premiere bands ['Pershing's Own,' The Army Field Band and U.S. Military Academy Band]," Buchanan said.

Holtan, a native of Bismarck, N.D., and a former music educator in Montana, spoke at the end of the ceremony and officially opened his door to welcomes.

"I'm most honored and very humbled to be in this position, to be a leader and commander," Holtan said. "I look forward to re-joining those of you who I knew from my previous assignments and getting to know all of you I haven't known since I left ['Pershing's Own']."

With the change of command, Holtan becomes the 10th leader and conductor of The United States Army Band.

In his farewell remarks, Palmatier's theme focused on three words - continuity, change and growth - which were all emphasized earlier in Palmatier's Army career in speeches by then Army Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Gordon Sullivan.

"This is the seventh time I've passed the flag leaving a command. I'm pretty sure it's the last," Palmatier said. "I would like to leave you with a couple thoughts for the future ... We don't have any choice but to maintain the continuity of the incredible standard day-to-day enforced by [our] noncommissioned officers. Look for opportunities to change. Don't shy away from it - embrace it. But look for areas of growth - look for ways we can get even better."

To start the change of command and retirement ceremonies, Palmatier conducted his final concert as TUSAB leader and led his band and vocal ensembles in a 23-minute concert.

Yet, there was an encore. In an impromptu move to close the event, Palmatier took to the microphone and sang "How do You Keep the Music Playing?" as a tribute to his wife, Shirley.

"There can be no better team than the Soldiers and civilians of 'Pershing's Own,'" Palmatier told the audience. "To borrow a quote from a past retiring member of 'Pershing's Own,' 'I get to serve at the best place with the best people.'"