Three members of the 122nd Ohio Army National Guard Band recently returned from Belgrade, Serbia, after completing a seven-day Overseas Mission for the State Partnership Program in cooperation with the United States Air Force Europe (USAFE) Band. This mission is part of a larger initiative to strengthen military, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the U.S. and its partner countries. It was an opportunity for the musicians to represent the Ohio Army National Guard internationally, blending music with diplomacy. This marks the first time Ohio Army National Guard musicians have performed overseas since the 37th Infantry Division Band’s appearance in the Philippines during WWII.
The team was honored to perform at several prestigious events during the trip. These included the 77th birthday celebration of the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard, the 80th anniversary of Operation Halyard commemoration, a high-profile media event on Serbian National Television (Prva Srpska Televizija), and a special performance at the residence of U.S. Ambassador to Serbia, Christopher R. Hill. The mission allowed them to interact with local dignitaries and citizens alike, fostering a deeper understanding of the cultures they were representing. Additionally, they conducted masterclasses at the historic Stankovic Music School, where they had the unique opportunity to share their expertise with Serbian students and faculty. Established in the 19th century, Stankovic Music School has a prestigious reputation in Belgrade and is a fitting location for cultural exchange.
SGT Thomas Lempner, who plays clarinet and saxophone, described one of the trip’s most impactful moments: "Performing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ alongside my 122d friends and USAFE Band members at the 80th anniversary of Operation Halyard was unforgettable. I felt honored listening to stories from family and relatives about their loved ones who were part of the rescue operation. Standing next to members of the Serbian Armed Forces and learning about the rescue of Allied pilots behind Axis lines during WWII gave the event profound significance.” He added that the historical context of the performance resonated deeply, as they stood on ground that had witnessed the largest rescue operation of American airmen during WWII. The commemoration event, held at Pranjani Aerodrom, was a testament to the enduring bond between the U.S. and Serbia and an opportunity to honor the brave Serbian civilians who played a critical role in the rescue.
For SSG Kenneth Bettinger, the mission was about more than music; it was about bridging diplomatic gaps through a shared art form. "Performing at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, I felt our music was more than just a performance—a way to bridge cultural divides. Playing both countries’ national anthems before their delegations was a powerful moment of pride and respect. It really reinforced the idea that our presence and our music were part of something much bigger than ourselves." Bettinger emphasized how the USAF Band’s mission of international diplomacy became clearer to him throughout their collaboration. He also remarked on how special it was to represent the Ohio National Guard and the U.S. in such a meaningful setting, realizing their role in strengthening international relationships.
SFC John Connors reflected on the historical significance of their participation, stating: "It was an honor to be part of the first group of Ohio Army National Guard musicians to perform overseas since WWII. Playing Fillmore’s 'Men of Ohio' at the anniversary commemoration was especially meaningful, as it recognized our historical ties to the USAFE Band. It really felt like we were honoring the sacrifices of both Allied military personnel and the Serbian civilians who played a vital role in WWII operations." Connors noted that the connection between past and present was particularly poignant, as the 37th Infantry Division Band had been active during WWII, at the same time as Operation Halyard.
In addition to their official performances, the team thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the local music community. At the Stankovic Music School, they held masterclasses with high school-aged students, some of whom shared similar aspirations and passions as students in the U.S. Connors reflected: “It was heartwarming to see how band kids in Serbia are just like band kids in the U.S.—full of passion and enthusiasm for music. Despite any language barriers, music created an immediate connection that transcended any differences.”
The trip also allowed for some unexpected reunions. Connors and Bettinger were delighted to reconnect with Igor, a trombone player from the Belgrade Philharmonic, whom they had performed with nearly ten years ago during a cultural exchange at Severance Music Hall in Cleveland. Igor, a familiar face from that exchange, played on the same stage in Serbia, bringing back memories of their shared performance a decade ago. Connors noted: "It’s hard to believe it has been almost ten years since we last performed together, and to meet him again on this trip felt like everything had come full circle."
This Overseas Mission was not only a musical endeavor but also an opportunity for these soldiers to serve as cultural ambassadors, showcasing the power of music in building and maintaining international relationships. Through their performances and interactions, they strengthened diplomatic ties and promoted mutual understanding, making the mission successful on all fronts.
