FORT MYER, Va. (Army News Service, Oct. 5, 2009) -- Some of the finest musicians in all of the Army gathered at Brucker Hall Friday to welcome the first female command sergeant major to the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own."
During a noon ceremony, leader and commander of the Army's official ceremonial band, Col. Thomas Rotondi Jr., welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Debra L. McGarity to her new position.
"I know of no one more qualified or deserving than Debbie to be our next command sergeant major," Rotondi said. "She is simply the right person for the job."
McGarity took the podium amidst a standing ovation, thanking her husband and family for keeping her grounded. She addressed the audience with a smile and said she was extremely proud to be the next command sergeant major for the band.
"You're among the finest musicians anywhere," she said, expressing her gratitude for the professionalism within the band. "I look forward to working with all of you."
McGarity began her career in the Army in 1977 as a member of the U.S. Army ceremonial band. She has held numerous leadership positions, including noncommissioned officer-in-charge and clarinetist with the U.S. Army Band Woodwind Quintent. She will continue to perform as a clarinetist during her tenure as unit command sergeant major.
The outgoing enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Ross N. Morgan Jr., spoke very highly of his successor. "She most definitely will be the backbone of 'Pershing's Own,'" he said.
The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" was established in 1922 by Army Chief of Staff Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, and emulates the European military bands he heard during World War I. Today, "Pershing's Own" continues to play an important role in national and international events, especially ceremonies in the nation's capital, and leads every inaugural parade, a tradition started in 1925.
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