Music from the 40’s filled the air at the American Legion Post 347 on Saturday night, as The Villages Swing Band performed to a packed house of and Honor Flight supporters. The event was hosted by The Villages Honor Flight, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Honor Flight.
Dozens of volunteers donated baked goods, while others provided items that were included in a raffle. Among the items raffled off were two patriotic quilts sown by Gay Harris, and a hand-made wooden rocking horse made by Steve Angelossi.
The event had approximately 250 attendees, with rows of World War II veterans in attendance. All received a special treat when assistant director, Dr. Bill Tietze, took the reigns from the director, Jean Butler, to conduct “Cherokee.” Introduced by the announcer George DelMonte as having a “DMH” or “Doctor of Musical Hipness” degree, Dr. Tietze showed that he can still conduct with the best of them. As a veteran Navy bandsman who enlisted 71 years ago on December 7, 1942, Tietze played for the likes of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman. After his service, Dr. Tietze took the role as the conductor of the Wisconsin University orchestra.
“Thirty people donated pastries for the event. We could not have done this without them,” said Marilyn Gagen of the donations made by the community. “This is how we keep this ship floating” said John Driscoll of the event. A volunteer for Honor Flight, Driscoll indicated that groups like The Villages Swing Band donate their time and talents to the organization to ensure that all veterans who are able are given the opportunity to make the trip to Washington, D.C.
The Villages Swing Band next performs their annual “Sweetheart Swing” on February 8, 2014 at the Colony Cottage Recreational Center.
