MEMPHIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Memphis, Tenn. (Dec.21, 2018) -- Chief MSgt. Jimmie Jones, the command chief for the 164th Airlift Wing, presented assistant principle David Ellis and Overton High School a plaque of appreciation Dec. 14 at Overton High School in Memphis, Tenn.
Overton marching band performed for military members and their families during the 164 AW family day in Sept. Overton is a Shelby County optional school for creative and performing fine arts.
“I have an additional 10 programs with 13 teachers of fine arts,” said Ellis
“So our students provide an extra hour of their time, and so do our teachers, where they get additional instruction in the arts.”
This was the first time that a high school marching band had the opportunity to perform for a 164 AW event.
“I always wanted to do something that we have never done,” said Jones.
“The initial was to have a mini parade. But in my quest for doing that, it was difficult to get a band in because of football season. So I had to bring my idea down to just trying get a couple of bands, and Overton was one of those bands.”
Partnering with Ellis gave the 164 AW the opportunity to strengthen its bond with the local community.
Jones explains that the performance allowed the guard members to reminisce about their time in high school, but also let the high school students know that the 164 AW is here and that we are here for them.
“I think they enjoyed that,” said Jones.
“That’s why I am working on trying to get them out for a tour, so they can see the full effect of what we do, and also get their staff [Overton] out and let them know what we do.”
By the 164 AW building a relationship with the community, It allows students to learn about many different career options they have available at home.
“I would like for our kids to realize,” said Ellis.
“In all aspects of career and life, that they will move on too, there is a place for the arts.”