DOWNEY - The Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band will close out Downey's summer concert series when it performs Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Furman Park.The band provides musical support for military units, civilian community relations, recruiting and troop morale, and welfare. The band is comprised of Marines with musically diverse backgrounds, including recent high school graduates. Others are completing college music degrees and some have years of professional performance experience. While band members typically spend their days rehearsing and performing music, they are required to maintain physical fitness standards, height and weight standards, pistol and rifle qualifications, swim qualifications and 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. One of 12 Marine Corps fleet bands, the group is under the command of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing and is stationed on the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. Wednesday's concert is free and residents are urged to bring blankets or chairs. The Downey Rose Float Association will be selling food and drinks.

********** Published: Aug. 8, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 17