Summer Tour Part I

The Field Band is on the road for two 8-day tours this Summer. The first was in late June leading up to the 4th of July. I'm posting a few pictures that highlight our adventures. 

This first is from the Independence Day concert in Pittsburgh, PA. It was my first visit to the city and I was so impressed. It really is beautiful. Our performance was held on a stage by the river downtown with the Soldier's Chorus singing behind us on a Corps of Engineers Barge! That was a very interesting set up. You can see the people lounging on the green in front of the stage. It was a massive crowd. 

This photo was taken from the barge. I'm trying to put on an intimidating face with Rob and Chris. Another cool thing about this gig is that they opened up the Steeler's stadium for the masses to walk through. Pretty cool arena. 

This was from an outdoor concert in Boardman, Ohio. We have been very lucky to have nice weather. Not too hot, and no big storm scares either. It was a fabulous show on July 3rd. The crowd was great and we were treated to a lovely fireworks display after. 

In the small town of Clearfield, Pennsylvania the band heard tell of a local joint called Denny's Beer Barrel Pub that boasted of having the World's Largest Burger. This wasn't their biggest meat monstrosity by any means, but one of their smaller challenges. If the contestant can manage to eat the entire burger in an hour they get 1/2 off and a free shirt. One of our very hungry soldiers attempted to step up to the plate on this challenge. It was 2 pounds of beef... after it had been cooked and then was adorned in an unholy amount of toppings. He fought bravely but in the end could not quite eat the entire thing. One of my favorite memories of this tour! 

This is from a concert in New York that was held at a large outdoor arena. The audience is sitting fairly far away in these viewing stands. 

The American Legion was gracious as usual and willing to pose for a picture with me.

 

After we completed this tour, the band had some open leave days available and I hit the road again to Colorado and Texas for a fun vacation. The next post will follow that trip... 

Lance's Wedding

I've been the worst blogger ever. I will attempt to catch my readers up on the past few months over the course of several posts. One of the most important recent events was my brother's wedding. I was able to get leave and fly down to Texas for the ceremony on June 27th. I'll always remember their anniversary because it is two days after my birthday. Speaking of my 25th birthday.... it was much better than 24. This time last year I was in the middle of Red Phase in Basic Training and probably getting smoked most of the day. This time around I got to be with my family and celebrate my brother's big day! 

The wedding was held on a boat that runs off the Gulf of Mexico in the town of Kemah. It was gorgeous and very special. My new sister-in-law is beautiful and fantastic- such a great addition to the family. The only bad thing is that her name is also Lauren..... so there are now two "Lauren Veronie's." A little confusing, but we will manage. Here I am enjoying a drink with my Dad while we are cruising around the Gulf. 

The whole Veronie clan turned out for the event. This picture is just a few, including Dad, my sister Roxanne, brother Tommy, and sister-in-law Becky. 

Here I am posing with my little brother, the LT. I'm so proud of him!