U.S. Marines bringing concerts to a close

DOWNEY - The Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band, one of 12 Marine Corp fleet bands, will close out the summer concert series at Furman Park next Wednesday at 7 p.m.The band is stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego and provides musical support for military units, civilian community relations, recruiting and troop morale. The band is comprised of Marines with musically diverse backgrounds with some members being recent high school graduates, some having attended college or earned college music degrees and some having years of professional performance experience. While members of the band typically spend their days rehearsing and performing, they are required to maintain physical fitness standards, height and weight standards, pistol and rifle qualifications, swim qualifications and many other types of military training that is in keeping with the Marine Corps philosophy that "Every Marine is a Rifleman." When the band is deployed in support of combat operations, its primary mission is to provide security for the Third Marine Aircraft Wing or any other mission directed by the commanding general. Admission to the concert is free. Residents should bring chairs or blankets.

********** Published: August 16, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 18