LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Emotions run rampant on the Lackland parade grounds every Friday at the conclusion of the basic military training graduation parade.
It's a festive occasion - a time of unlimited smiles, hugs and photographs.
And when 323rd Training Squadron military training instructors recognized one trainee's unique musical skills, an opportunity to enhance that experience occurred for the graduation parade May 28.
In the squadron was a professional bagpipe player who would graduate that Friday, Memorial Day weekend. He was in the 737th Training Group drum & bugle corps, an ever-changing group of selected 323rd TRS trainees who perform for the BMT graduation parade each Friday and BMT retreat on Thursdays.
He was in the 323rd TRS following his selection as the Air Force's first recruited professional bagpipe player for the Pipe Band, an element of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.
By utilizing Airman Adam Tianello's musical talents on the bagpipes, a special Memorial Day act of remembrance was created; the sounds of "Amazing Grace" and "America the Beautiful" resonated through the grandstands before nearly 800 BMT graduates passed in review down the bomb run.
"It's something people will remember for a long time," Lt. Col. Matthew Whiat, 323rd TRS commander, said. "Some in attendance might not have been to an event like this, then to hear an instrument that evokes such emotion as the bagpipes . . . I think they left with a greater sense of appreciation and reflection for the day."
Airman Tianello has played the bagpipes for 12 years, beginning at age 14. He was chosen to be the Pipe Band resident professional after auditioning and meeting Air Force enlistment criteria.
"I was looking for a career path that I was very passionate about," said Airman Tianello, who quit investment banking in that pursuit. "I felt strongly about joining the military; this is a unique opportunity."
Band members meet the same requirements to become an Airman as all trainees, which includes completing the Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training course and passing the physical training test. The exception is some drill practice is replaced by band practice.
But before Airman Tianello could create an indescribable patriotic feeling at the parade, he had one last audition two weeks prior: a solo in front of Col. William H. Mott V, 37th Training Wing commander; Col. Shane Courville, 737th TRG commander; and Colonel Whiat.
Twenty minutes later, the three leaders walked away impressed.
"It just so happened the stars and planets aligned," Colonel Whiat said. "This was good for all the right reasons, and for the impression left on the newly graduated Airmen and the audience."