Drum and Bugle Corps Seeks New Members

The American Legion 7^th Cavalry Drum and Bugle Corps, with Post #7 American Legion, has been a fixture in Sheridan area parades, rodeos and other western venues for many years. As far as Corps Manager Wayne Hoff knows, this Drum and Bugle Crops is the only American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps in the US.

Currently, The American Legion 7^th Cavalry Drum and Bugle Corps has about 30 members, but is actively seeking new ones. Hoff had this to say about the membership.

A certain percentage of the membership has to be military, or former military, but non-military members are welcome. As are women.

“We have always had the maidens as mascots, but today we welcome women buglers and drummers as well.” Hoff said. There is also a need for honor guard members.

Miranda Connell, drummer, and Jennifer Aksamit, maiden, are members of the Corps, and said it is a lot of fun to be a part of it.

The Corps has traveled throughout Wyoming, as well as all over the United States. They have played in Washington, DC, in Philadelphia and at the National Legion Convention in Baltimore in 2015, as well as several other venues throughout the country.

The membership in the Corps is all volunteer, and money to travel is raised through fund raisers. “We plan a couple of years in advance,” Hoff said.

At first, the members would wear their service uniforms, but in 1952, he Corps wanted a look to embrace the history of the area. The received permission from Congress and the Department of the Army to wear reproductions of the 1877 uniform of the 7th Cavalry and to carry General Custer pennant. The uniforms, made by Demoted, are authentic, right down to the leather gauntlets, cavalry hats, and neckerchiefs.

Hoff also said that, due to the fact that the 7^th Cavalry is still an active military unit, they also have to make sure and use American Legion 7^th Cavalry Drum and Bugle Corps when referring to the Sheridan Corps.

“These are official military uniforms, and members can wear any service metals on them if they want.” Hoff said. “The original wool jackets were very hot, we have a wool blend, but it is still hot on a warm day.”

Watch for the American Legion 7^th Cavalry Drum and Bugle Corps, lead by Monte Johnson as General Custer in his buckskins and his saber, in the Wyo Rodeo Parade as well as other celebrations around the area.