Chicago Blackhawks singer named honorary commander of USAF Band of Mid-America

Published Sept. 19, 2012
By Thomas G. Kistler
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill -- Jim Cornelison, the national anthem singer for the Chicago Blackhawks, was inducted as the honorary commander of the USAF Band of Mid-America, at the band's rehearsal facility on Scott Air Force Base, during a ceremony Sept. 12, 2012.

Cornelison's honorary commander position is unique in the Air Force because most honorary commanders are attached to squadrons at bases in their local community. Because of the Band of Mid-America's regional mission and Cornelison's unique position in the greater metro Chicago area, Air Mobility Command officials determined the geographical separation between Chicago and Scott AFB would not obstruct the intent of the honorary commander program.

To begin the process of informing Cornelison about the Air Force and AMC, he toured AMC headquarters and learned about the command's three core capabilities: Airlift/Airdrop, Aerial Refueling and Aeromedical Evacuation.

It was amazing to me," said Cornelison. "I had no idea of the scope and capabilities of Air Mobility Command. What was most impressive was the ability and willingness to mobilize forces around the world for humanitarian efforts when disaster strikes. The value placed on human life is really demonstrated by AMC's aeromedical evacuation mission. To think that an aircraft would be diverted to pick up just one injured soldier is astounding."

After learning about AMC's capabilities, Cornelison was formally inducted as an honorary commander. Following pre-ceremonial music by a brass quintet from the Band of Mid-America's Hot Brass group and introductory remarks, Cornelison and the band commander, Major Cristina Moore Urrutia, entered the main rehearsal facility. In a twist of roles, this was one ceremony where Cornelison did not sing the national anthem. Instead, Tech. Sgt. James Gilley, a vocalist in the USAF Band of Mid-America, did the honors.

"It was a great privilege to sing the anthem at Mr. Cornelison's induction," Gilley said. "I've heard his rendition of our anthem broadcast before sporting events and his caliber of musicianship is highly respected. I also had the pleasure of performing for him in the music ensemble Starlifter and was pleased to show him an example of the style of music we present to our military and civilian communities. We all look forward to working with him in the future."

Moore Urrutia continued the ceremony by explaining the honorary commander program to the band and outlining the responsibilities of the band and Cornelison. After her remarks, she asked Cornelison to join her center stage and formally inducted him into the band as an honorary commander by having him repeat an oath written for the occasion.

"Jim is going to be a wonderful fit as our honorary commander," said Moore Urrutia. "His
connections in the Chicago area will truly help us increase understanding about the Air Force and AMC in the 3rd largest city in the US, helping us to better connect our military with the American public in a personal way."

Following the ceremony, Cornelison said he was surprised there were so many people in the band to witness the induction. While he knew there were responsibilities of being an honorary commander, the ceremony itself blew him away. The band members performed everything professionally and with military precision. The most humbling part, he said, was taking the oath of office. Even though the oath had no legal obligation attached to it, he nevertheless felt the responsibilities of being an honorary commander.

The honorary commander program is a public affairs civic outreach initiative designed to increase public awareness and understanding of the armed forces and the missions, policies and programs of the Air Force.

Cornelison came to Chicago in 1995 as one of six selectees out of more than 800 applicants in the Lyric Opera's apprenticeship program and was later hired as a full member of the troupe. On the invitation of a fellow vocalist, he began singing the national anthem for the Blackhawks part time. He became their full-time singer in 2007. Cornelison is well known for his national anthem singing throughout Chicago and has opened many charity events. He has also been asked to perform at Chicago Bears and Bulls games.