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AMC musicians among those honoring President Reagan

  • Published
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, ILL. --  Four members of the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America here will perform during the private sunset interment ceremony to honor former President Ronald Reagan at his presidential library and museum in Simi Valley, Calif., June 11.

President Reagan, 93, died June 5 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He will be memorialized in the first state funeral in more than three decades.

Scott AFB band members Tech. Sgt. Dean Smith, Staff Sgts. Shannon Dooley and Becky Snyder, and Senior Airman David Horger will assist members of the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, Calif., during funeral honors for America's 40th president.

"It is such a great honor to play at his funeral," said Sergeant Smith, staff arranger and trombonist. "I had the distinct pleasure of playing for him in 1989 right after he left office."

Sergeant Smith, who was an airman first class at the time, played for President Reagan while he was on a trip to New York City.

"This performance will definitely be more emotional," Sergeant Smith said. "This will be something I can tell my children and grandchildren."

Sergeant Snyder, a clarinetist and concert band tour manager in the Scott AFB band, said she also feels privileged to play for President Reagan's funeral.

"When I was at Robins (AFB), I was on standby to assist with other state funerals ... but I never thought I would participate in the ceremony for President Reagan," Sergeant Snyder said. "I feel proud to represent the U.S. Air Force during the funeral of such a great American."

While Senior Airman David Horger, also a trombonist with the band, recalls being too young to vote while President Reagan was in office, he said he still feels moved by this opportunity.

"I don't remember much about his time in office since I was just a high school student and didn't really follow politics, but it's great to participate in such an event," Airman Horger said. "He was such an influential world leader."

Sergeant Dooley, also a clarinetist, was eager to assist in the event. I volunteered to be part of the ceremony as soon as I knew they may need musicians, she said.

The Band of Mid-America musicians will also perform with the Army Chorus during the private funeral and sunset burial.