|
OperationTaps.org
|
|
||||||||||||||||
CTRL+Mouse Roller to zoom |
Mission: |
|||||||||||||||||
Stories of Service Mighty St. Joes Alumni, Leroy NY Starting in early 2008, members of the Mighty St. Joe's brass section came up with the idea of creating a flyer and distributing it to Veterans organizations and funeral homes through Western New York state. The objective of the flyer is to let the communities that have given them so much support over several decades know that they are available to honor the heroes who have truly served us all. Here is a sample of that flyer - the members of The Mighty St. Joe's have given permission to any musical organiztion that wants to use it in their respective communities. Jeff Gibbens, Erie PA In early 2008 I asked Jeff if he would share with us how he created a network of veterans groups, community leaders, and fellow musicians that currently performs well over 100 military honors funeral per year in the Northwest Pennsylvania region. Here's his story: "I've actually been playing services for more than 30 years. It started for me back in 1974 while I was still in high school. A fella from the VFW Post 470 called the school asking for a trumpet student that could be excused for a military funeral. I was chosen. Made $10 that day! Man, that was great! Ten Bucks!!!! Lot of money for a kid back then. (That worked out to .43 a note, or roughly $1,200 an hour) I must have done a good job, because they continued to call me, even well after I graduated school. I got to know all the guys on the Honor Guards by name, and was as friendly as could be to them. Each one of them has quite a story to tell, and they love telling it (even if you've heard it a dozen times before). I always listened intently. Get to know these people!!! Building a relationship is the best thing you can do to continue to get the calls! In our area, the Funeral Home usually calls the Honor Guards and then the Honor Guard will call the bugler. At least that's mostly how it works here in Erie. I sometimes will get calls directly from the funeral home on occasion. So, I've gotten to know each of the Funeral Home Directors personally. I put together a 20 minute presentation on the history of "Taps" and offer to be a guest speaker at any function they may need a speaker. I've spoken to Church groups, Local Kiwanis and Lions clubs (these always are looking for a speaker!). And even middle school assemblies. I take my collection of horns along, and segue from the military meaning right into how the Drum and Bugle Corps got their start. And then, of course, I'll play for them. It's fun! Four years ago I met and had dinner with Master Sergeant Yari Villanueva, the main bugler at Arlington National Cemetery. He was in Erie for an Historical Society meeting. I don't know if you knew this but "Taps" has roots right here in NW PA, West Springfield to be exact. It is believed that David Butterfield retired here after the war. He died in 1901. Butterfield is credited to have written Taps. To summarize, build relationships! That is the main thing. Be patient. it takes years to get to know the key people. Always, Always....be as professional as possible. This is the most meaningful moment of a service families funeral experience. I will stand at attention during the entire committal service, using my Corps experience to look and appear "sharp". That's how I'd want it if it was my Father! And if they give you a donation for your services, take it and thank them! They want you to have it, so take it. I tell them that having two kids in school, it is greatly appreciated, and I will use it for that. I will send a card to the family telling them "It was an honor to sound "Taps" for you. God bless" Here is Jeff's bio from the Empire Statesmen Web Page: Jeff Gibbens
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
