U.S. Army Welcome BBQ Dinner

The U.S. Army Welcome BBQ serves as the official welcome for all All-American groups (All-American Football players, Game Coaches, Academy Coaches, Marching Band Members, Army Heroes), VIPs and parents. It also features the presentation of awards to members of the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band, described below.

U.S. Army All-American Marching Band Calvin P. Titus Award

In 1900, as part of an international military rescue to free desperate, trapped foreigners in Peking, China, young Army bugler Calvin Titus emerged as an unexpected hero. When 14,000 troops came face-to-face with a formidable 30-foot barrier, Colonel Daggett wondered aloud if it was possible to scale the wall that barred the city. That day, Titus uttered his now-famous reply, “I’ll try, Sir.” He was the first to scale the wall of the city, and inspired others to follow his valiant lead.

Titus’ story, which earned him the Medal of Honor, is just one example in the Army’s long, distinguished musical history, and today his bold legacy lives on through the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band Calvin Titus Award.

As part of the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, the Army is proud to honor one East and one West band member who best exemplify the Army’s high standard of excellence during their high school career. Award recipients stand out in terms of community involvement, academic achievement, musical and athletic distinction. The skills and strengths necessary to be a successful band member are mirrored in Army Strong soldiers like Calvin Titus.

U.S. Army All-American Bowl National Band Director of the Year

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl National Band Director of the Year Award, presented by NAfME,The National Association for Music Education, honors one of the nation’s most outstanding high school band directors.  The recipient of this award is a band director who demonstrates great commitment to his/her high school band students, who has been an inspiration to students and music educators to strive to be their best in every aspect of their lives and who by his/her actions represents the Army’s seven core values.  This year’s award is the second awarded through the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band program as the Band continues its efforts to acknowledge the contribution of music education to the development of America’s youth.

The Dream Protector All American Family Award

The Dream Protector All American Family Award, presented by American Family Insurance, is awarded to a band member and his/her family who have made an exceptional positive influence in their community. In addition, achievements in both the classroom and in extra-curricular activities are considered. At American Family Insurance, we protect all of your dreams.