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History of the 111th Army Band

January 23, 2025
Categories: 
HING History, Units

The 111th Army Band was organized and federally recognized on 3 October 1919 in the Hawaiʻi National Guard at Honolulu as the Band Section, Headquarters Company, 1st Infantry. After several reorganizations and re-designations, including assignment to the 24th Infantry Division for 11 months in 1942 as the 298th Infantry Band, the band was finally re-designated on 17 May 1947 as the 111th Army Band. 

The 111th Army Band provided music throughout the program, ranging from the Navy Hymn to big band music.
The 111th Army Band provided music throughout the program, ranging from the Navy Hymn to big band music.
(Picture from the 1991 October – December Pūpūkahi)
ISLAND NOTES -The 111th Army Band performed in Tuvalu, an independent nation located north or Fiji, July 6. The popular band travelled to Fiji and Tong a in early July to participate in World War II commemoration activities.
ISLAND NOTES -The 111th Army Band performed in Tuvalu, an independent nation located north or Fiji, July 6. The popular band travelled to Fiji and Tong a in early July to participate in World War II commemoration activities.
(Picture from the 1992 July – August Pūpūkahi)
ON DECK -- 111th Army Band musicians entertain on the deck of the U.S.S. Schenectady, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of a World War II battle fought in New Guinea. Performing are (left to right) Sgt. Nolan D. Santa Ana, Staff Sgt. Mark K. Akaka, Sgt. Lambert T.L. Lum, Staff Sgt. Balligui Vinluan, 1st Sgt. Ronald E. Bright, Sgt. 1st Class Melvin N. Miyashiro, Sgt. Donald J. Noguchi, and Sgt. Stuart J. Hayshi.
ON DECK — 111th Army Band musicians entertain on the deck of the U.S.S. Schenectady, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of a World War II battle fought in New Guinea. Performing are (left to right) Sgt. Nolan D. Santa Ana, Staff Sgt. Mark K. Akaka, Sgt. Lambert T.L. Lum, Staff Sgt. Balligui Vinluan, 1st Sgt. Ronald E. Bright, Sgt. 1st Class Melvin N. Miyashiro, Sgt. Donald J. Noguchi, and Sgt. Stuart J. Hayshi.
(Picture from the 1992 October – November Pūpūkahi)
1st Sgt. Ronald E. Bright gets the audience at the annual State Department of Defense Christmas concert in the "family affair" spirit. The 111th Army Band's first sergeant received a plaque from fellow members. Bright is scheduled to retire next September.
1st Sgt. Ronald E. Bright gets the audience at the annual State Department of Defense Christmas concert in the “family affair” spirit. The 111th Army Band’s first sergeant received a plaque from fellow members. Bright is scheduled to retire next September.
State DOD Christmas concert held page 4-5
State DOD Christmas concert held page 4-5
The 111th Army Guard Band chorus line preforms the song and dance routine "My Favorite Son" on the stage of the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, Dec. 20.
The 111th Army Guard Band chorus line preforms the song and dance routine “My Favorite Son” on the stage of the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, Dec. 20.
(Pictures from the 1992 November – December Pūpūkahi)
DEFINITELY NOT THE SAME OLD SONG AND DANCE-- Then-Sgt.1st Class Ron Bright and soldiers of the 111th Army Band ham it up for their audience.
DEFINITELY NOT THE SAME OLD SONG AND DANCE– Then-Sgt.1st Class Ron Bright and soldiers of the 111th Army Band ham it up for their audience.
(Pictures from the 1993 September – October Pūpūkahi)
Hawaii National Guard's 111th Army Band leads off the Republic of the Marshall Islands liberation day parade in the capital of Majuro, Feb. 5.
Hawaii National Guard’s 111th Army Band leads off the Republic of the Marshall Islands liberation day parade in the capital of Majuro, Feb. 5.
(Picture from the 1994 February – March Pūpūkahi)
The 111th Army Band salutes as they pass the reviewing stand
The 111th Army Band salutes as they pass the reviewing stand
(Pictures from the 1990 April – June Pūpūkahi)
FINAL FAREWELL --Staff Sgt. William A. Simmons plays "Taps" as Hawaii Guard F-15 Eagles fly the missing-man formation during the National Guard Association of the U.S. plaque dedication, Sept. 1. Simmons, from the Hawaii Guard's 111th Army Band, was preceded by a Hawaii Guard 21-gun salute firing squad standing in the background at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.
FINAL FAREWELL –Staff Sgt. William A. Simmons plays “Taps” as Hawaii Guard F-15 Eagles fly the missing-man formation during the National Guard Association of the U.S. plaque dedication, Sept. 1. Simmons, from the Hawaii Guard’s 111th Army Band, was preceded by a Hawaii Guard 21-gun salute firing squad standing in the background at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.
Sgt. Chris H.W.O. Faildo plays at Hawai'i Remembers, a concert at the Waikiki Shell saluting the WWIl veterans workers, and volunteers, Sept.1.
Sgt. Chris H.W.O. Faildo plays at Hawai’i Remembers, a concert at the Waikiki Shell saluting the WWIl veterans workers, and volunteers, Sept.1.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON -- Members of the Hawaii National Guard's 111th Army Band show off their song and dance versatility with their rendition of "Sea to Shining Sea" at Hanger No. 1.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON — Members of the Hawaii National Guard’s 111th Army Band show off their song and dance versatility with their rendition of “Sea to Shining Sea” at Hanger No. 1.
(Pictures from the 1995 July – September Pūpūkahi)
HOME AWAY FROM HOME--The Hawaii Army National Guard's 111th Army Band flew to Camp Shelby, Miss. to support the U.S. Army Reserve's 100th Battalion reunion at the camp they went to basic training, June 1995. The band continued their support of the World War II commemoration activities. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Wayne T. Iha
HOME AWAY FROM HOME–The Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band flew to Camp Shelby, Miss. to support the U.S. Army Reserve’s 100th Battalion reunion at the camp they went to basic training, June 1995. The band continued their support of the World War II commemoration activities. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Wayne T. Iha
GIVING OUR BEST -- Hawaii Army National Guard's 111th Army Band assist in Veterans Day celebrations on Oahu and Kauai in November. Photo by Sgt. Lance M. Kamisugi
GIVING OUR BEST — Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band assist in Veterans Day celebrations on Oahu and Kauai in November. Photo by Sgt. Lance M. Kamisugi
(Pictures from the 1995 December Pūpūkahi)
Singers from the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard squared off in a head-to-head competition on KITV's Hawaii Stars, which aired Sunday, August 25. Singing their hearts out for the judges were Staff Sgt. Lambert Lum, Sgt. Nolan Santa Ana, and Spc. Samuel Hesch of the Army and, Tech. Sgt. Blane Kato, and Staff Sgts. David Heuliff and Allison Bruce-Maldonado warbled for the Air Guard. The Army Guard took home the over-all winner's trophy. Doing it his way is Sgt. Nolan Santa Ana, a percussionist, guitarist and arranger for the 111th Army Band. Photo by Capt Charles Anthony
Singers from the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard squared off in a head-to-head competition on KITV’s Hawaii Stars, which aired Sunday, August 25. Singing their hearts out for the judges were Staff Sgt. Lambert Lum, Sgt. Nolan Santa Ana, and Spc. Samuel Hesch of the Army and, Tech. Sgt. Blane Kato, and Staff Sgts. David Heuliff and Allison Bruce-Maldonado warbled for the Air Guard. The Army Guard took home the over-all winner’s trophy. Doing it his way is Sgt. Nolan Santa Ana, a percussionist, guitarist and arranger for the 111th Army Band. Photo by Capt Charles Anthony
(Pictures from the 1996 December Pūpūkahi)
SUPER BAND -The 111th Army Band lead off the parade for the Maui Superkids competition, Feb. 22, at the War Memorial Stadium, Kahului, Maui.
SUPER BAND -The 111th Army Band lead off the parade for the Maui Superkids competition, Feb. 22, at the War Memorial Stadium, Kahului, Maui.
(Picture from the 1997 January – March Pūpūkahi)
ALL STAR CAST – Patricia Lei Anderson Murray, Hawaii Air National Guard’s Staff Sgt. Allison Bruce-Maldonaldo and Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant general, help celebrate Christmas with the Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band.
ALL STAR CAST – Patricia Lei Anderson Murray, Hawaii Air National Guard’s Staff Sgt. Allison Bruce-Maldonaldo and Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant general, help celebrate Christmas with the Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band.
ALL STAR CAST – Patricia Lei Anderson Murray, Hawaii Air National Guard’s Staff Sgt. Allison Bruce-Maldonaldo and Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant general, help celebrate Christmas with the Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band.
ALL STAR CAST – Patricia Lei Anderson Murray, Hawaii Air National Guard’s Staff Sgt. Allison Bruce-Maldonaldo and Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant general, help celebrate Christmas with the Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band.
ALL STAR CAST – Patricia Lei Anderson Murray, Hawaii Air National Guard’s Staff Sgt. Allison Bruce-Maldonaldo and Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant general, help celebrate Christmas with the Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band.
ALL STAR CAST – Patricia Lei Anderson Murray, Hawaii Air National Guard’s Staff Sgt. Allison Bruce-Maldonaldo and Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant general, help celebrate Christmas with the Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band.
FIRST NIGHT STAND - First Lady Vicky Cayetano sings with the 111th Army Band stage band.
FIRST NIGHT STAND – First Lady Vicky Cayetano sings with the 111th Army Band stage band.
(Pictures from the 1997 December – 1998 January Pūpūkahi)
WE WERE THERE - Sgt. Samuel L. Hesch, a tuba player with the 111th Army Band, sings the National Guard theme song when we were needed "We Were There" at the native American convention saluting Alaskan veterans.
WE WERE THERE – Sgt. Samuel L. Hesch, a tuba player with the 111th Army Band, sings the National Guard theme song when we were needed “We Were There” at the native American convention saluting Alaskan veterans.
BALLOONY TUNES - Sgt. Ronald Batula Jr., a brass musician with the 111th Army Band, blows balloon toys for the youth of the native American village of Nondalton, Alaska. Batula made more than 50 balloon toys in the remote village on the coast of Six Miles Lake.
BALLOONY TUNES – Sgt. Ronald Batula Jr., a brass musician with the 111th Army Band, blows balloon toys for the youth of the native American village of Nondalton, Alaska. Batula made more than 50 balloon toys in the remote village on the coast of Six Miles Lake.
TASTE OF ALOHA - The musicians of the 111th Army Band share their spirit of Aloha with a hula for the children of Northern Lights ABC School in Alaska.
TASTE OF ALOHA – The musicians of the 111th Army Band share their spirit of Aloha with a hula for the children of Northern Lights ABC School in Alaska.
PROUD TO BE AMERICAN - Hawaii National Guard's 111th Army Band sing Lee Greenwood's patriotic song at the Alaska Federation's In Service to Our Country salute to native American veterans.
PROUD TO BE AMERICAN – Hawaii National Guard’s 111th Army Band sing Lee Greenwood’s patriotic song at the Alaska Federation’s In Service to Our Country salute to native American veterans.
ALASKA WELCOME - Musicians from the Hawaii National Guard's 111th Army Band open the Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Anchorage, Alaska, in October
ALASKA WELCOME – Musicians from the Hawaii National Guard’s 111th Army Band open the Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Anchorage, Alaska, in October
(Pictures from the 1998 Winter Pūpūkahi)
OVER THE RAINBOW -The 111th Army Band plays at Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson's retirement ceremony.
OVER THE RAINBOW -The 111th Army Band plays at Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson’s retirement ceremony.
(Pictures from the 2000 January – February Pūpūkahi)
HIGH STEPPIN' Led by drum major Staff Sgt. Lambert T.L. Lum, the 111th Army Band performs at Fort DeRussy's Kuroda Field in March. The Hawaii Army National Guard band, commanded by Warrant Officer Curtis Y. Hiyane, played for the second time at the fourth annual Twilight Tattoo.
HIGH STEPPIN’ Led by drum major Staff Sgt. Lambert T.L. Lum, the 111th Army Band performs at Fort DeRussy’s Kuroda Field in March. The Hawaii Army National Guard band, commanded by Warrant Officer Curtis Y. Hiyane, played for the second time at the fourth annual Twilight Tattoo.
(Pictures from the 2000 March – June Pūpūkahi)
HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION - Hawaiian Santa's grand entrance via golf "sleigh" lead by "reindeer" began the 2001 Hawaii National Guard Christmas concert featuring the 111th Army Band. Sgt Wendy M. Hirasa photos
HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION – Hawaiian Santa’s grand entrance via golf “sleigh” lead by “reindeer” began the 2001 Hawaii National Guard Christmas concert featuring the 111th Army Band. Sgt Wendy M. Hirasa photos
(Pictures from the  2001 October – December Pūpūkahi)
Post inaugural concert at lolani Palace - 111th Army Band, Hawaii Army National Guard
Post inaugural concert at lolani Palace – 111th Army Band, Hawaii Army National Guard
(Pictures from the 2002 October – December Pūpūkahi)
111th Army Band, Co. B,
111th Army Band, Co. B,
(Pictures from the 2006 October – December Pūpūkahi)
FOR THE TROOPS – Hawaii Army National Guard’ 111th Army Band marches and plays at the Military Ohana Parade in May. Sgt. 1st Class-R Wayne T. Iha photo
FOR THE TROOPS – Hawaii Army National Guard’ 111th Army Band marches and plays at the Military Ohana Parade in May. Sgt. 1st Class-R Wayne T. Iha photo
(Pictures from the 2010 Annual Report)
111TH Army Band mentors Honor Band students for Central Oahu Music Festival
111TH Army Band mentors Honor Band students for Central Oahu Music Festival
(Pictures from the 2015 April Pūpūkahi)
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Okubo rehearses alongside Raistlin Ramos at the Pearl City Cultural Center in Pearl City, Hawaii on June 12, 2016. Okubo and Ramos were preparing for a performance as part of a community outreach mission put on by the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paul D. Berzinas/Released)
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Okubo rehearses alongside Raistlin Ramos at the Pearl City Cultural Center in Pearl City, Hawaii on June 12, 2016. Okubo and Ramos were preparing for a performance as part of a community outreach mission put on by the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paul D. Berzinas/Released)
The Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band participates in a music fellowship concert with Hawaii students in Pearl City, Hawaii on June 12, 2016. The concert was the culmination of an outreach effort made by the soldiers of the 111th Army Band in order to facilitate an exchange of knowledge between students and National Guard soldiers. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paul D. Berzinas/Released)
The Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band participates in a music fellowship concert with Hawaii students in Pearl City, Hawaii on June 12, 2016. The concert was the culmination of an outreach effort made by the soldiers of the 111th Army Band in order to facilitate an exchange of knowledge between students and National Guard soldiers. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paul D. Berzinas/Released)
(Pictures from the 2016 June Pupukahi)
Hawaii Army National Guard Pfc. William I. Brady of 3rd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 299 Cavalry Regiment and Staff Sgt. Krysta M. Waters of the 111th Army Band are announced as the Enlisted and NCO winners of the Best Warrior Competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, March 4, 2018. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Matthew A. Foster/ Released)
Hawaii Army National Guard Pfc. William I. Brady of 3rd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 299 Cavalry Regiment and Staff Sgt. Krysta M. Waters of the 111th Army Band are announced as the Enlisted and NCO winners of the Best Warrior Competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, March 4, 2018. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Matthew A. Foster/ Released)
(Picture from the 2018 Spring Pupukahi)
Hawaii Army National Guard Soldier, Staff Sgt. Charifel Mateo, a Musician with the 111th Army Band, 103rd Troop Command performs the leg tuck (LTK) event during the Army Combat Fitness Test, Waimanalo, Hawaii, April 2, 2021. The LTK measures upper and lower body explosive power, flexibility, and dynamic balance assisting with tasks like a buddy drag, throwing a hand grenade and employing progressive levels of force in man-to-man contact.
Hawaii Army National Guard Soldier, Staff Sgt. Charifel Mateo, a Musician with the 111th Army Band, 103rd Troop Command performs the leg tuck (LTK) event during the Army Combat Fitness Test, Waimanalo, Hawaii, April 2, 2021. The LTK measures upper and lower body explosive power, flexibility, and dynamic balance assisting with tasks like a buddy drag, throwing a hand grenade and employing progressive levels of force in man-to-man contact.
(Pictures from the 2021 Fall Pupukahi)
The 111th Army Band perform “Na Koa” at the Officer Candidate School Commissioning and Graduation Ceremony on Sept. 10, 2023 at the Regional Training Institute in Waimānalo. – Hawai‘i National Guard photo
The 111th Army Band perform “Na Koa” at the Officer Candidate School Commissioning and Graduation Ceremony on Sept. 10, 2023 at the Regional Training Institute in Waimānalo. – Hawai‘i National Guard photo
(Picture from the 2024 Annual Report)
The Hawai‘i Department of Defense Office of Veterans’ Services celebrated Veterans Day with a concert at the Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand on Nov 10. The Hawai‘i Army National Guardʻs 111th Army Band performed musical selections to honor each of the uniformed services.
The Hawai‘i Department of Defense Office of Veterans’ Services celebrated Veterans Day with a concert at the Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand on Nov 10. The Hawai‘i Army National Guardʻs 111th Army Band performed musical selections to honor each of the uniformed services.
(Pictures from the 2024 Summer Pūpūkahi)

Unofficial Unit Insignia

111th Army Band logo

Lineage and Honors

  • Organized and Federally recognized 3 October 1919 in the Hawaii National Guard at Honolulu as the Band Section, Headquarters Company, 1st Infantry
  • Reorganized and redesignated 1 April 1921 as the Band Section, Service Company, 1st Infantry
  • Redesignated 17 August 1923 as the Band Section, Service Company, 298th Infantry
  • Reorganized and redesignated 1 May 1940 as the Band, 298th Infantry
  • Inducted into Federal service 15 October 1940 at Honolulu
  • (298th Infantry assigned 1 October 1941 to the 25th Infantry Division; relieved 3 July 1942 from assignment to the 25th Infantry Division and assigned to the 24th Infantry Division; relieved 12 June 1943 from assignment to the 24th Infantry Division)
  • Reorganized and redesignated 1 June 1944 as the 111th Army Ground Forces Band
  • Inactivated 30 January 1946 at Honolulu
  • Reorganized and Federally recognized 10 September 1946 in the Hawaii National Guard at Honolulu as the 111th Army Ground Forces Band
  • Redesignated 17 May 1947 as the 111th Army Band
  • Location subsequently changed to Fort Ruger; on 12 February 1996 to Pearl City

HOME STATION: Pearl City

CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDIT

  • World War II
    • Central Pacific

DECORATIONS

  • None

Last updated April 2021