Recent Piping gigs

As I mentioned in my first blog, I am playing pipes regularly now with the Joint Service Honors Command.
This is a really great organization which was created to provide military honors to any former or current member of the U.S. armed forces who passes away. Most of the familys we serve are those of military veterans. Statistics are that about 1600 WWII vets are dying each day throughout the U.S. Those still with us are in their middle to late 80's and early to middle 90's. Those from the Korean Conflict (my war) are also leaving us in ever increasing numbers. The California National Guard cannot deal with the volume of services needed. The organization known as the U.S. Volunteers has existed for many years and they do the same thing we do, that is to provide military honors to all veterans. The difference is that they all wear army uniforms regardless of which branch of the service they served in. Joint Service Honors Command members wear the uniform of the branch they served in. I served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and so I wear a navy uniform. In additon to playing bagpipes for services, I also take part in the rifle firing team and help fold the U.S. flag which was on the casket (or is separate if their is an urn). We do not get paid and have to purchase our own uniforms and provide all of our own transportation and equipment. It is a pure service, but a really meaningful one. These veterans deserve to be honored for their service and sacrifice for their country.  If anyone is interested in joining our group, please contact me. We are trying to get units established in areas outside the San Joaquin Valley of California. I am still playing for civilian funerals, weddings, parties etc. too, so I am pretty busy. I have been playing bagpipes for over 20 years and have a fairly large repertoire. I am usually available if I get several days notice. I have played for 4 civilian funerals in the past three weeks, and also for a birthday party about three weeks ago. I always enjoy playing for birthday parties and weddings because they are joyful occasions.

Welcome to my blog

To my potential readers, I am beginning this blog to acquaint everyone with what I am doing in the world of bagpiping. I joined the Joint Service Honors Command about six months ago and am working regularly with them.