Kentucky National Guard Band "ready for inspection"

mjo Story and photos by Sgt. 1^st Class Steve Baker, 202nd Army Band [caption id="attachment_10156" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Kentucky National Guard 202nd Army Band performs Pass In Review for the Operational Readiness Evaluation at Armory 4 in Frankfort, Ky."] FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky National Guard's 202nd Army Band had reason to make plenty of noise when their recent operational readiness inspection ended on a high note. Just like any other unit in the armed forces, the band maintains a high standard of readiness.  But instead of UH-60 Blackhawks or multiple launch rocket systems, their weapons are the sound of music. The Readiness Evaluation Team conducted examinations of everything operational from logistics, personnel files, facilities, awards and performance standards via the Musical Performance Teams. The MPTs evaluation consisted of the concert band, marching/ceremonial bands, rock band, jazz combo, sax quartet, woodwind quintet and brass quartet. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Roger Springer, Missouri National Guard 135^thArmy Band commander, was in charge of the ORE team.  His team rated the musical proficiency, facility, command goals and communications portion of the evaluation and he had many compliments for the 202nd. [caption id="attachment_10157" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Kentucky National Guardsman Spc. Larry Daniels plays the bass drum during the Operational Readiness Evaluation at Armory 4 in Frankfort, Ky."] "This is what a National Band is supposed to look like and sound like," said Springer. "The Concert Band MPT is really great and the musicianship permeates to the smaller MPTs." "The evaluation confirmed our status as one of the premier performing Army bands," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Gregory Stepp, 202^nd Army Band commander.  "The evaluation tool will be used to aid us in our desire to continue providing musical and mission support to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and United Sates Army." The 202^nd Army Band is stationed in Frankfort, Ky. and is comprised of 42 musicians from several states and varied backgrounds. If you're interested in joining the 202nd Army Band or just want to know more, contact Sgt. 1^st Class Angela Wilkins, Readiness NCO, 502-607-5331 or angela.wilkins@us.army.mil