Dec. 14, 2020
National Medal of the Arts
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, Washington. —
At a special ceremony at the Pentagon Wednesday, December 2, 2020, Colonel Don Schofield, Commander and Conductor of the United States Air Force Band, accepted the National Medal of Arts on behalf of all Air Force band members, past and present, from both active duty and the Air National Guard. The award was presented by Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett and Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Charles Q. Brown.
In 2019, President Donald J. Trump awarded the National Medal of Arts to the musicians of the United States Military “for personifying excellence in music and service to country. From concert halls to war zones, these extraordinary patriots have inspired and uplifted their fellow Americans over generations with their incredible courage and breathtaking musical talent.” On Thursday, November 21, 2019, at the White House, Army Staff Sergeant Jan Knutson, a guitarist who is a member of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” accepted the award from President Trump on behalf of all military musicians.