SGT Jennifer Grimmer, a member of the 122nd Ohio Army National Guard Band, recently shared her experience being invited to a special event hosted at her alma mater, Ohio State University. In an interview, she recounted the unique and memorable moments of the event, her preparation process, and the significance of her performance in front of a large audience.
The invitation to the event came as a surprise to SGT Grimmer, who was nominated by an anonymous individual. A representative from the OSU athletic department reached out to her, offering her the opportunity to be recognized for her military service and to perform the National Anthem at the OSU Women's Hockey game against Wisconsin, held around Veterans Day in November 2023. The event aimed to honor women in the military, a cause close to SGT Grimmer's heart.
Reflecting on the experience, SGT Grimmer expressed how meaningful it was to be recognized for her service and to have the chance to perform in front of a large audience. As someone who regularly performs as part of her duties in the Ohio Army National Guard, she appreciated the opportunity to showcase her musical talents on such a significant occasion. Moreover, she highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the unique challenges women face in the military and the significance of feeling seen and appreciated.
Drawing from her experience playing live Taps at funeral services in her full-time position with the Military Funeral Honors, SGT Grimmer felt confident in her playing abilities despite initial nervousness. She noted that practicing the National Anthem solo presented new challenges, particularly in managing breaths during the piece's demanding passages. Nevertheless, SGT Grimmer's preparation ensured a flawless performance that was met with appreciation from the audience and university staff.
One aspect that made the experience particularly memorable for SGT Grimmer was the unique setting of the performance in the middle of a hockey rink. Despite the chilly temperatures and challenging acoustics, performing at her alma mater held special significance for her, who fondly recalled her days of ice skating at the university. Meeting Gene Smith, the athletic director for OSU, who praised her performance, further added to the meaningfulness of the experience.
SGT Grimmer expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be recognized and perform on behalf of the Army. Her experience at The Ohio State University was not only enjoyable but also appreciated, leaving a lasting impression on both herself and those in attendance.
