The Air Combat Heritage of America Band is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1941. The band is a part of the United States Air Force and is based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia. The band is made up of highly skilled musicians who are dedicated to preserving the heritage of the United States Air Force through music. The Air Combat Heritage of America Band was originally known as the Army Air Corps Band and was formed in 1941. The band was created to provide entertainment for the troops and to boost morale during World War II. The band was made up of 50 musicians and was led by Captain Glenn Miller, who was a famous bandleader at the time. The band quickly became popular and was known for its swing music. After World War II, the Army Air Corps Band was disbanded, but it was reactivated in 1947 as the United States Air Force Band. The band was based at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. and was made up of 85 musicians. The band continued to perform swing music, but it also began to incorporate classical music into its repertoire. In 1950, the United States Air Force Band was divided into two separate bands: the Concert Band and the Air Force Symphony Orchestra. The Concert Band was made up of 45 musicians and was led by Captain William H. Santelmann. The Air Force Symphony Orchestra was made up of 75 musicians and was led by Colonel George S. Howard. In 1964, the Concert Band and the Air Force Symphony Orchestra were combined to form the United States Air Force Band. The band was based at Bolling Air Force Base and was made up of 120 musicians. The band continued to perform classical music, but it also began to incorporate other genres of music into its repertoire, including jazz, pop, and rock. In 1990, the United States Air Force Band was renamed the Air Combat Command Heritage of America Band. The band was based at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia and was made up of 60 musicians. The band continued to perform classical music, but it also began to focus on preserving the heritage of the United States Air Force through music. The Air Combat Command Heritage of America Band has performed at many major events, including the Presidential Inauguration, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Rose Parade. The band has also performed at many military events, including change of command ceremonies, retirements, and funerals. One of the highlights of the Air Combat Command Heritage of America Band's career was its performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. The band performed at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics and received widespread acclaim for its performances. The Air Combat Command Heritage of America Band has also received many awards and honors throughout its history. The band has received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, and the Colonel George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence. The band has also been inducted into the Virginia Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. The Air Combat Command Heritage of America Band is made up of highly skilled musicians who are dedicated to preserving the heritage of the United States Air Force through music. The band has a long and storied history and has performed at many major events throughout its career. The band's dedication to excellence has earned it many awards and honors, and it continues to be a source of pride for the United States Air Force.

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