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August 16, 2012 was not a usual performance for the 34th Infantry Division Brass Quintet. They did play the standards for any retirement ceremony-Ruffles and Flourishes, the National Anthem, the Army Song-but their performance of Old Soldiers Never Die was special. Special because of whom the performance honored: Minnesota National Guard hero Lt. Col. Mark M. Weber.
Lt. Col. Weber is a strong patron and friend of the 34th Infantry Division Band, serving as the Band’s narrator for several important concerts over the past two years. He is set to narrate Duty, Honor, Country at the Minnesota State fair at the end of the month. It may be his last performance with the Band as he fights his own battle against stage IV gastro-intestinal cancer.
“My job in the Army is to be a leader, to provide motivation, purpose and direction. And by God that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” Weber proclaimed during his retirement speech. And that is what he does every time he interacts with someone, be it a Soldier or a civilian.
Lt. Col. Weber is an exceptional human being, and it was reflected not only by the chest full of medals on his dress uniform, but more importantly by the presence of everyone he has influenced throughout his 18 years of service. The long list of supporters included family members, Soldiers, senior leaders of the Minnesota National Guard, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and a special visit from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey.
General Dempsey gave an emotional speech and presented Lt. Col. Weber with the Legion of Merit for his outstanding service. He also mentioned in his speech that the playing of the National Anthem by the 34th Infantry Division Band may bring new meaning, especially after hearing it played continuously during the Olympics these past couple weeks.
After the heartfelt speeches, the Band performed and sung Old Soldiers Never Die, a special request from Lt. Col. Weber. They left with a renewed appreciation for their own service as musicians and the honor of knowing such an exceptional leader and friend.
