We do not forget...

...because military musicians help us remember.

Don't Give Up on the Shipmate

 On Saturday night of last year's reunion, after the equipment was packed up and the last toasts had been offered, I heard a number of members say the same thing: "Something was different this year."

I agreed then, and still do. The bands were hot, the jam sessions smoked and a crew of new members brought new energy and fresh sea stories. If they gave awards for reunions, the 2013 reunion would have won an NMA Commendation Medal.

I say, let's add a silver star to that ribbon. Let's make the 2014 reunion even better.

A top-notch reunion starts with you. Your attendance is, in itself, a great contribution. We need to fill out the horn sections. We need audiences for our concerts. We need dancers on the floor. We need shipmates to listen to our stories.

This is where you can help. There's an old friend you've been trying to talk into coming. He always says, "Maybe next year," or "I'm just not ready yet." You feel like giving up on this guy.

Don't. Give him a call, shoot him an email, give him the sales pitch one more time. If he relents and joins us in June, he'll be forever grateful. If he doesn't, make like a Chicago Cubs fan and tell yourself, "Maybe next year."


I am an NMA-loving, reunion-attending member because someone did this for me. An old shipmate called me once or twice a year to shoot the breeze. He'd always invite me to join this bunch of MUs who held a get-together every year. Sure, I'd say. Maybe next year. I'm just not ready yet.

It took a few years. I regret that; the NMA has become an important part of my life, and I'm glad Terry Chesson didn't give up on me.

My case is not unique. Many of us have become loyal attendees--"the NMA Regular Navy"--because a friend didn't quit trying.

I guess what I'm saying is, friends don't give up on friends. Give your old shipmate one more call. He deserves it.

All the info on joining the NMA, registering for the reunion and booking a hotel room is online at our website.


That reminds me, there's a trombone player from Navy Band Newport I haven't talked to in a while. I'll bet I've got Dave's phone number around somewhere....