It's been a while since I have done anything with this site. Between a new addition to the family, work, hospitals, and trying to get my health to a level it has never been before, it has been hard to keep this us. I will try to keep it up a little better.
Today was Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember those who are and have served this great country to ensure the freedoms we enjoy. I honor our military and veterans and give them the utmost respect. It is a pleasure and privilege to serve with them as a bugler. Although I have never served in the military, I am able to step side-by-side with them and offer a service few people don't recognize. I was able to play 3 times today, and it felt really good. I know the notes were carried far and wide as they joined the hundreds and thousands of others playing taps across this great country.
Today is a day of remembrance. I hope others were able to find the time to show the respect deserved.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Thursday, December 18, 2008
State Director, Utah
A couple of weeks ago I was asked by Tom Day, the founder of Bugles Across America, if I was interested in being the State Director for Utah. I found out what it potentially entailed, and accepted. I have now added two missions to my list as a bugler honoring veterans who have served. First is to get the word out there more about BAA as a source to go to for bugling needs throughout the state (will be difficult). Second is to recruit more quality volunteers. I have several ideas for both, but it will take time to impliment and see the fruits of my labors. Like everything else in life, I love a good challenge.
My first item of business as director was to see who, of those registered on the website, was listening to the call of duty. I sent an email out to everybody on the list (all 35) and am now awaiting responses. I am tracking those who respond and getting their updated information. So far I have only had one ask to be removed from the list due to other priorities in his life.
Come the new year, I will see who has not responded by email and will proceed to make phone calls. Of those I don't contact or hear from either way, I will have them removed from the list. The next step will be to help those who showed interest to get themselves out there, making themselves known and educating people about what they do.
I am looking forward to this great opportunity. It will be challenging, but let's never forget that after every harsh winter, the fruit tree always puts its buds out and within a short while bears the fruits of its labors for all to enjoy.
My first item of business as director was to see who, of those registered on the website, was listening to the call of duty. I sent an email out to everybody on the list (all 35) and am now awaiting responses. I am tracking those who respond and getting their updated information. So far I have only had one ask to be removed from the list due to other priorities in his life.
Come the new year, I will see who has not responded by email and will proceed to make phone calls. Of those I don't contact or hear from either way, I will have them removed from the list. The next step will be to help those who showed interest to get themselves out there, making themselves known and educating people about what they do.
I am looking forward to this great opportunity. It will be challenging, but let's never forget that after every harsh winter, the fruit tree always puts its buds out and within a short while bears the fruits of its labors for all to enjoy.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Just Because
I got an idea from some other members of Bugles Across America back East. Some of them mentioned how they will go to a cemetery and practice playing Taps. I decided to do that. On Friday I called and got permission from Bountiful City. They were ecstatic and said absolutely.
Sunday at 7:30pm I played taps 3 times, one minute after the other. Then I decided to drive to the Farmington cemetery where I usually play for the American Legion when they raise and lower the flag on holidays. I did the same thing there at about 8pm.
It felt good to do it. By the time I played it was starting to get fairly dark. I only saw one person out and about between both cemeteries, which is fine with me. It was a great feeling to hear the sound echo through the cemetery. Bugling is such a great way to show appreciation for our veterans and something I truly enjoy doing.
Sunday at 7:30pm I played taps 3 times, one minute after the other. Then I decided to drive to the Farmington cemetery where I usually play for the American Legion when they raise and lower the flag on holidays. I did the same thing there at about 8pm.
It felt good to do it. By the time I played it was starting to get fairly dark. I only saw one person out and about between both cemeteries, which is fine with me. It was a great feeling to hear the sound echo through the cemetery. Bugling is such a great way to show appreciation for our veterans and something I truly enjoy doing.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Thanks Glenn Beck!
Recently, Glenn Beck did a spot on Bugles Across America. Below is a link:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2008/08/20/beck.tribute.with.taps.cnn?iref=videosearch
Also check this site out:
http://www.myspace.com/buglesacrossamerica
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2008/08/20/beck.tribute.with.taps.cnn?iref=videosearch
Also check this site out:
http://www.myspace.com/buglesacrossamerica
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Official!
Because of all the times I helped the Farmington American Legion Post, they bought me my Sons of the American Legion cap. I just received in a couple days ago. I guess you can say I am now official. The next time anybody sees me bugling, I will be sporting my new cap and will have a smile on my face.
Friday, June 27, 2008
A Big Thanks
This is a copy of the email I received from Bonnie Campbell, the Exalted Ruler of the local Elk's Lodge. I really appreciated it and wanted to share it because it's proof to me that I am helping to make a difference:
- - - - - - - - -
Travis,
I personally would like to thank you so much for such a wonderful job you did for us on Flag Day. We had a lot of compliments on you and your bugler. It was really impressive. Hope you will consider and come down again and help us out. This was the best Flag Day yet that we have held due to you and everyone else. Thanks Again for everything.
Bonnie Campbell
Exalted Ruler
Bountiful Elks Lodge #2442
- - - - - - - - -
Travis,
I personally would like to thank you so much for such a wonderful job you did for us on Flag Day. We had a lot of compliments on you and your bugler. It was really impressive. Hope you will consider and come down again and help us out. This was the best Flag Day yet that we have held due to you and everyone else. Thanks Again for everything.
Bonnie Campbell
Exalted Ruler
Bountiful Elks Lodge #2442
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Upgrade and Standalone
Hello everybody! Thanks for visiting this web site. I thought I would remove all bugling information from our family blog and create a new one dedicated to my bugling efforts. I think it has turned out ok so far.
Anyway, if you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to let me know. I am always willing to listen, unless I can't hear you because I am playing really loud.
Just so you know, my main purpose in having this blog is to create a record for my own benefit of what I do, when, and where. I do enjoy sharing that with others, hence why you are reading this!
Anyway, if you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to let me know. I am always willing to listen, unless I can't hear you because I am playing really loud.
Just so you know, my main purpose in having this blog is to create a record for my own benefit of what I do, when, and where. I do enjoy sharing that with others, hence why you are reading this!
In the News
Below is a web site where you can see me playing at an elementary school where the American Legion performed a flag retirement. I messed up a couple of times; guess perfection takes time!
I just returned from the Farmington Cemetery where the American Legion raised the flag and had a speaker to get this Memorial Day off to a start. I played "To The Colors," which is the call used when the flag is raised. This evening I will play "Taps" as the flag is lowered.
It is such an honor to be able to give of my talent to honor those who died for our comforts, our freedom, and our nation.
http://www.standard.net/live - Scroll down the videos until you find "Flag Retirement Ceremony."
I just returned from the Farmington Cemetery where the American Legion raised the flag and had a speaker to get this Memorial Day off to a start. I played "To The Colors," which is the call used when the flag is raised. This evening I will play "Taps" as the flag is lowered.
It is such an honor to be able to give of my talent to honor those who died for our comforts, our freedom, and our nation.
http://www.standard.net/live - Scroll down the videos until you find "Flag Retirement Ceremony."
A Worthy Cause
Since my bit of inspiration I have joined the Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L.). I have not served during a war and so could not be part of the American Legion. However, my grandfather flew B-57's in WWII and was shot down. They crash-landed in Switzerland.Anyway, because of my grandfather's service, I was able to join SAL. I did that in part so that I could bugle for the American Legion. I am currently scheduled to play every Friday for the next month at some elementary schools in Davis County during some Flag Retiring Ceremonies. I will also bugle on May 17 (Armed Forces Day), May 26 (Memorial Day), as well as the 4th of July.Needless to say I have been trying to get my lips back into shape. It feels good being able to use a talent I have for a worthy cause.
Bugle Calls / When Played
For those that are not familiar with Bugle Calls, I have listed below some of the most common onces and their meaning / when they are used. If you have other questions, let me know!
Reveille: Sounded for troops to make the morning roll call. Also commonly used at scout camps to signal the time to wake up and get the day started.
Assembly: Sounded for troops to assemble in formation on the parade field for morning roll call, report and the Morning Colors ceremony.
To The Colors: Sounded when raising the Standard (flag). The Navy refers to this call as "Morning Colors" and was followed by the "carry on" signal on most Naval bases.
Taps: Played as the last call of the day - to stop all talking and have lights out by the last note. Also adapted to be played at the funerals of veterans who have passed away and to be played when a flag is lowered on special holidays such as Armed Forces Day, Flag Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, etc.
Reveille: Sounded for troops to make the morning roll call. Also commonly used at scout camps to signal the time to wake up and get the day started.
Assembly: Sounded for troops to assemble in formation on the parade field for morning roll call, report and the Morning Colors ceremony.
To The Colors: Sounded when raising the Standard (flag). The Navy refers to this call as "Morning Colors" and was followed by the "carry on" signal on most Naval bases.
Taps: Played as the last call of the day - to stop all talking and have lights out by the last note. Also adapted to be played at the funerals of veterans who have passed away and to be played when a flag is lowered on special holidays such as Armed Forces Day, Flag Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, etc.
Sources of Inspiration
Since being called to be Cub Scout Master, I have been inspired. I want to do the best I can with these boys, especially since they are so impressionable at that age and I can help them so much.
When I was in Boy Scouts, I was our Troop Bugler. I also played Taps for the American Legion on several occasions, including my grandparent's funeral in 2003. I decided to pick it up again.
Had my parents bring my trumpet from home and I have been practicing on it. I am already scheduled to play Taps for the American Legion May 26, Memorial Day (multiple times and locations). I have solicited my services to other organizations; we'll see if there are any takers.
I have also joined a group called Buglers Across America. Check out the web site; their mission and goal is pretty neat, and I am proud to now be a part of it. Here's the link: http://xeml.buglesacrossamerica.org/index.xeml
If you or anybody you know is ever in need of a bugler, refer them to this site. If anybody wants to volunteer as a bugler, refer them to this site.
The bugle pictured above embedded in the flag is of an American Heritage Field Trumpet, made by Getzen. It is (according to reviews) one of the finest bugles made. Getzen made it BECAUSE of Bugles Across America. They run (with a discount) roughly $350. I am going to be saving up my money to get one. If anybody wishes to donate to this cause, I will gladly accept it. ;-)
It was an honor to play Taps at my grandparent's funeral. It is an honor that every veteran should have a chance at having. The families of the deceased deserve that last and final patriotic act of respect. I am glad I am able to help give that to them. I may not be able to do much in life for others, but this is one thing I can do.
When I was in Boy Scouts, I was our Troop Bugler. I also played Taps for the American Legion on several occasions, including my grandparent's funeral in 2003. I decided to pick it up again.
Had my parents bring my trumpet from home and I have been practicing on it. I am already scheduled to play Taps for the American Legion May 26, Memorial Day (multiple times and locations). I have solicited my services to other organizations; we'll see if there are any takers.
I have also joined a group called Buglers Across America. Check out the web site; their mission and goal is pretty neat, and I am proud to now be a part of it. Here's the link: http://xeml.buglesacrossamerica.org/index.xeml
If you or anybody you know is ever in need of a bugler, refer them to this site. If anybody wants to volunteer as a bugler, refer them to this site.
The bugle pictured above embedded in the flag is of an American Heritage Field Trumpet, made by Getzen. It is (according to reviews) one of the finest bugles made. Getzen made it BECAUSE of Bugles Across America. They run (with a discount) roughly $350. I am going to be saving up my money to get one. If anybody wishes to donate to this cause, I will gladly accept it. ;-)
It was an honor to play Taps at my grandparent's funeral. It is an honor that every veteran should have a chance at having. The families of the deceased deserve that last and final patriotic act of respect. I am glad I am able to help give that to them. I may not be able to do much in life for others, but this is one thing I can do.
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