D-Day veteran conducts 29th Division Band in Bedford - June 6, 2015

Retired Air Force Col. Arnald D. Gabriel conducts the Virginia National Guard’s Clifton Forge-based 29th Division Band at a special concert June 6, 2015, at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Va. Gabriel was a combat machine gunner with the 29th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II where he earned two Bronze Star Medals, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the French Croix de Guerre. He went on to serve as the commander and conductor of the U.S. Air Force Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Singing Sergeants from 1964 to 1985, and his 21-year tenure was the longest in that organization's history. He retired in 1985 following a 36-year military career.

Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and the leadership of the 29th Division Band presented Gabriel with a group photo and a certificate naming him Conductor Emeritus for the band.

Learn more about Col. Gabriel’s career at colgabriel.com/about.html.