SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – From snowbanks to sunburns, the 39th Army Band touched down in tropical El Salvador the weekend of Jan. 31-Feb. 1 to kick off celebrations for the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence with the concert “Sounds of a Nation: 250 Years of the U.S. in Music."
The concert is the first of a series of “Freedom 250” events the U.S. Embassy will hold throughout the year, reaffirming U.S. commitment to culture, creativity and partnerships that strengthen prosperity and international cooperation for the next 250 years.
Coordinated through the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, the diplomatic mission was an unprecedented engagement for the company of 25 musical ambassadors. The 39th split into two ensembles to support multiple, overlapping missions Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 – an impressive, 48-hour feat considering the unit has 12 vacancies.
“We have a lot of pride in what we do,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Franklin Montenegro, commander of the 39th. “Six of our musicians are school band directors in their civilian jobs.”
The band was accompanied by a senior delegation led by New Hampshire National Guard Adjutant Gen. David Mikolaities. Between performances, he met with embassy and Salvadoran defense officials to discuss the future of the partnership, now in its 26th year.
“It’s these opportunities to break bread with our partners that really strengthen our relationship,” Mikolaities said.
His staff made the six-hour flight with the band on a 157th Air Refueling Wing KC-46A from Pease Air National Guard Base.
On the evening of Jan. 31, the 39th jazz ensemble headlined a historical concert at the National Palace in San Salvador. Billed as “Sounds of a Nation: 250 Years of the United States in Music,” it was hosted by Chargé d’Affaires Naomi Fellows. El Salvador’s Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill, Minister of Culture Raúl Castillo, and members of the diplomatic corps joined more than 500 Salvadorans for a "vibrant repertoire of jazz, rock, and pop that celebrated America’s rich musical heritage.”
“This is not just an American celebration, it is a shared celebration," Fellows said. "The United States and El Salvador are united by a deep friendship, vibrant communities, and millions of personal stories that connect us.
Foreign dignitaries from Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, and China also attended.
“This was one of the biggest concerts we have ever had,” Montenegro said. “For a National Guard band from New Hampshire to represent U.S. diplomacy on an international stage was an extraordinary honor and experience. It was one of our finest performances.”
On the morning of Feb. 1, the ensemble held a master class with 70 teenage students at the National School of Music. They split into seven different sectionals before coming together for a culminating performance.
“This was our first time doing this,” said Sgt. Joshua Turpin, a trumpeter in the 39th. “It was amazing to see their excitement to learn from us. Even though we don’t speak the same language, we can still teach and perform together.”
Eleven miles away, at the Ilopango Airshow Oficial, the 39th rock ensemble played for more than 70,000 people Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. For lead vocalist Sgt. Victoria Fatukasi, it was her fourth appearance at the aerial extravaganza.
“I’ve built bonds with not just my fellow soldiers but our audience,” Fatukasi said.
Chief Warrant 4 Sean Pinsonneault, warrant officer strength manager for the New Hampshire Army National Guard, was part of the New Hampshire delegation. As the previous commander of the 39th, he was especially proud. In 2019, he conducted the band’s first performance in El Salvador. Since then, the 39th has returned six times to play at the air show or for embassy events.
“Those lasting connections with our partnerships – they’re almost impossible to explain until you feel them,” Pinsonneault reflected. “Just one performance, one interaction can change hearts and minds.”
One grateful Salvadoran at a time.