The Siuslaw news., June 29, 2016, WEDNESDAY EDITION, Page Page 4, Image 23

Oregon’s 234th Army Band to play July 23
The 234th Army Band will perform a
free concert at the Florence Events Center
on Saturday, July 23, beginning at 2 p.m. A
limited number of advance tickets will be
available from the FEC box offi ce.
American military bands have been
present since colonial days. Prior to the
signing of the Declaration of Independence,
colonial soldiers marched to the sound of fi fe
and drum. Later, in the Civil War, soldiers
depended on musicians to entertain them,
position them in battle, and spur them on
to victory. Military bands play at both
military and civilian offi cial functions,
entertain American troops worldwide, assist
community relations between civilian and
military, and have been decorated for their
performance in battle.
On June 20, 1919, “Oregon’s Own” band
was organized and federally recognized as
the Band Section, Service Company, 162nd
Infantry Regiment. The band remained a part
of the 162d Infantry Regiment until 1940.
The band was inducted into Federal service
on September 16, 1940 in Portland. Band
members saw service in the South Pacifi c
and received campaign participation credit
for the Luzon, New Guinea and Southern
Philippines campaigns. After receiving
the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
for service during World War II, the band
was deactivated in 1946 on Okinawa, and
redesignated the 234th Army Band on May 17,
1947. At that time, the 234th was organized
and federally recognized in Portland OR, and
attached to the state militia. Over the years,
since 1947, the band has provided musical
support for Oregon troops, toured the state,
and entertained many Oregonians.
The mission of an Army band is to
“provide music throughout the spectrum of
military operations to instill in our forces the
will to fi ght and win, foster the support of our
citizens, and promote our national interests
at home and abroad.” (Army Regulation
220-90) There are many ways in which the
234th Army Band carries out this mission.
On a regular basis, the band provides
musical support at military functions, such
as Military Academy graduations, change
of command ceremonies, parades, and
mobilization and demobilization ceremonies.
Between brass quintet performances, funerals
that call for a bugler, and ceremonial band
missions, the 234th continues to be a busy
unit. In TY10, the 234th Army Band was
recognized as having the highest operational
tempo in the reserve band system. The
234th has also performed for gubernatorial
inaugurations, opening ceremonies for
the Oregon State Fair and State Games of
Oregon, and dedication ceremonies for the
Veteran’s Hospital.
In 2005, soldiers from the 234th
Army Band deployed to Louisiana to assist
those who experienced the devastation
of Hurricane Katrina. Among the band’s
favorite assignments is presenting music to
communities throughout Oregon.
After 26 years of being stationed at the
Portland Air National Guard Base, effective
26 October, 2011, the 234th Army Band’s
station was offi cial changed to the newly
constructed 41st Infantry Division Armed
Forces Reserve Center at Camp Withycombe.
15300 SE Industrial Way, Clackamas, Ore..
The 234th Army Band is truly “Oregon’s
Own.”
Get the ‘scoop’ at the Van Fans Ice Cream Social
The Van Fans annual Ice Cream Social
fundraiser will bring Florence residents and
Van Fan members together for an afternoon
of ice cream, pie and other treats while
supporting the Cancer Van for the Florence
community.
The social will take place Saturday,
July 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $5
and will be available at the door. There will
be homemade pie and ice cream served by
BJ’s Ice Cream, with hot and cold beverages
available.
The Friends of Florence Van Fans,
Page 4
a non-political volunteer organization, is
sponsoring this event.
All proceeds donated go to support the
van that transports cancer patients daily
to Eugene and Springfi eld for radiation
treatment. This service is free of charge to
the community. Come and spend a relaxing
afternoon enjoying pie and ice cream and
listening to music, while helping a fellow
neighbor or friend in need.
For more information, call Mary
Fuestenberg at 541-997-1564.
The Florence Events Center website: www.eventcenter.org