Meet Your Army - Verona, WI

By Pfc. Lynnwood ThomasMarch 28, 2019

The 40th Public Affairs Detachment introduces Spc. Heath Bain, a French horn player in the 101st Airborne Division Band, The Pride of the Eagle, from Verona, Wisconsin for this week's #MeetYourArmy

"I joined the Army out of college because making a living as a musician on the civilian side can be difficult," Bain said. "I was freelancing quite a bit, but it was hard to make a living and I wanted a job where I would be able to continue to make music, but also support my family."

He performed all over Wisconsin and the Midwest prior to his enlistment, in musical theater jobs and subbing in some orchestras.

Bain also studied horn performance for three years at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, so joining the Army as a musician seemed like the obvious choice, he said.

He served at Fort Campbell for almost two years and being in the band has given him the opportunity to travel, do jobs with the National Guard and even perform at events like the Indianapolis 500.

"The best part about my job is probably the people that I work with," Bain said. "Every job has its ups and downs, but being in the Army band is very unique because everyone has a particular set of skills that you wouldn't necessarily find everywhere else ... We also get to go out and support the activities of the Army every day in a way that is very unique to the band, and I think that's very special for us."

Bain aspires to finish his degree in horn performance and eventually become a warrant, or commissioned officer in the band, he said.

He lives at home with his husband and two corgis. He loves to cook in his spare time and just hang out.