SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard's bandmaster for the 234th Army Band retired Nov. 3 here at the Anderson Readiness Center after 39 years of military service.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 James Powell led the 234th Army Band for more than two decades.
"I want to thank all of my fellow soldiers and particularly Maj. Gen. Raymond Rees, who as the adjutant general of the Oregon National Guard, held me responsible for what I did and then allowed me to do it," said Powell.
Powell enlisted in the 234th Army Band on Nov. 17, 1968 as a French Horn player. He was appointed first sergeant in 1980, a title he held until his direct appointment as warrant officer in 1983. Powell then took over as the 234th's bandmaster.
"I want to thank you on behalf of the entire Oregon National Guard and everything you have done for us," Rees said. "The band has thrived under your leadership."
Powell saw the band through many changes during his time as commander.
In 1990, he deployed with the 234th Army Band overseas for the first time, retracing the steps the 41st Infantry Division took as it deployed to the South Pacific during World War II.
Since that deployment, the band has served many other states, foreign countries and all branches of the military.
"I had the best job in the Army, throughout my entire career I've been so blessed to work with the people I have," said Powell. "I'm a lucky guy."