WORTHINGTON, Ohio (7/7/2012) — The 122nd Army Band performed a concert "on the Green" July 7 to a crowd gathered in Worthington, one of the final events of its 2012 Tour Ohio, part of the band's two-week annual training period which spanned parks, towns and parades throughout the state.
The Village Green, a grassy public area at the corner of High Street and West Dublin Granville Road in Worthington, was populated with spectators despite the high summer temperatures that marked the day, as well as the majority of the tour stops.
During one part of the show the band asked veterans of each branch to stand and be recognized for their service. Members of the Ohio Army National Guard's band said they are proud to be able to make that connection with local citizens.
"We have people coming up to us before, during and after these performances, and they want to tell us their story and we run into many people who were in the Ohio National Guard," said band 1st Sgt. John Huffman. "We share stories back and forth, and it's just a really good connection between our citizens of Ohio and our Ohio National Guard."
The 122nd will add two more Soldiers to its alumni group very soon, with Huffman retiring in September and Sgt. 1st Class Jim Cato hanging up the uniform, after more than 25 years of service, in July.
During the concert, Huffman presented Cato with a noncommissioned officer sword in honor of the time he dedicated to his country and the unit.
Cato said for his last annual training, he spent the final week writing notes to younger Soldiers with advice and experience he has gained throughout his military career.
"I tried to talk to (Soldiers in the band) about what I saw in them that I think were important and the value they have in this unit and the part I see them to play in the years to come," he said. "I don't get too emotional but that was very important to me, to try and do that. I would not have stayed 25 years to play a horn."
Cato said throughout his years of service, which has all been with the band, he has seen his position change from a young kid out to have fun to more of a father figure. He said his role has changed from a young horn player to mentor.
"Probably the greatest compliment I ever received, maybe in my life, is when a young man in the unit said, 'I consider you my mentor and I have never had a mentor before,'" Cato said.
He said the band community can be very important to some Soldiers and therefore he listens to Soldiers when they are having trouble with various aspects in their life. Even though he may only see his Soldiers once a month, it's his job as a mentor to be there more than just that one weekend.
Even though the band is losing the experience of Cato and Huffman, Huffman said he is sure the band is headed in the right direction.
"Between (Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robin Kessler, the 122nd commander) and the NCO corps, I feel very confident that they will keep marching right on," he said.
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