ANG Band of the Midwest perfectly tuned

The Air National Guard Band of the Midwest played a variety of music as part of a summer concert series entitled "Heroes Among Us" held here at the historic Grandview Park Bandshell.

The 566th band provided multiple ensembles including: Harmony in Blue, Permanent Party and a Concert Band performing both traditional and contemporary selections.

"The Air National Guard band program is meant to represent all of the members of the Air National Guard", said Master Sgt. Doug Mattsey, 566th band member. "We come out into the community, we represent a well-trained military force that can be activated at any time, our mission is to tell that story and do it through the gift of song and music."

All of the musicians are traditional guard personnel typically performing one weekend a month and 2 weeks during the summer unless they are deployed. The 2 week period is usually intended for concert tours like "Heroes Among Us" to provide music and to tell the Air Guard story.

This year's concert tour has them performing in Sioux City then throughout South Dakota in Sioux Falls, Hot Springs and Rapid City.

The Band of the Midwest is attached to the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, stationed at the Peoria Air National Guard Base. Their primary area of responsibility is a ten state region in the upper mid-west that includes Iowa and South Dakota. Beyond that the band performs for both civilian and military audiences throughout the United States and the world.

The mission of ANG Band is to support the global Air Force mission by preserving national heritage, providing professional musical products and services for official military, recruiting, and community relations events.