Band of Liberty Members Garner High Honors

In November, members of the United States Air Force Band of Liberty were recognized for their outstanding achievements.

Senior Airman Mateo Ayala-Roman, a native of Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, was chosen as the Hanscom Air Force Base-Electronic Systems Center Airman of the Quarter for July-September. A clarinetist with the Concert Band, Liberty Pops, Ceremonial Band and Bay State Winds clarinet ensemble, Airman Ayala-Roman served as conductor on four Liberty Pops concerts, narrated for the Bay State Winds, crafted a multimedia presentation for a Liberty Pops concert tour, studied music arranging, and took jazz clarinet lessons at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. Airman Ayala-Roman (pictured above) was presented his award during a recent ceremony by Ms. Frances Duntz, ESC Deputy for Acquisition and CMSgt Lisa Sirois, Command Chief Master Sergeant for Hanscom’s 66th Air Base Wing.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana native Master Sergeant Huey Gauthier was awarded the Golden Roger by the Air Force Entertainment program. First awarded in 1972, the Golden Roger honors and recognizes individuals who have unselfishly devoted their time and expertise to the Air Force’s Tops in Blue worldwide talent contest. Winners of the award are selected by prior years’ winners via a secret nomination process. During MSgt Gauthier’s Air Force career, he was chosen three times to perform as a vocalist with Tops in Blue in year-long world tours. Since then, he has served as a vocal coach and mentor for many Tops in Blue troupes, culminating in his recent Golden Roger honors. (see article in the Hansconian)

Congratulations to both winners!