Soldier Spotlight
Command Sergeant Major Mitchell D. Spray
Organization: The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own"
Rank: Command Sergeant Major
Position: Command Sergeant Major
Instrument: Trombone / Drum Major
Hometown: McConnelsville, Ohio
Command Sergeant Major Mitchell D. Spray was appointed Command Sergeant Major of The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" in September 2011. Prior to his appointment as third Command Sergeant Major of the premier musical organization of the U.S. Army, Spray served as Drum Major of The U.S. Army Band since 2001. Originally from McConnelsville, Ohio, he enlisted in the Army in 1982 and in 1992 joined the ranks of The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own."
During his career at "Pershing's Own," he has been a featured bass trombone soloist with The U.S. Army Concert Band and Brass Band, and has performed with the organization at military tattoos in Norway and Australia.
Spray attended Ohio University in Athens and graduated in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in music. Other military highlights include the completion of the Primary Leadership Development Course (distinguished graduate), Basic NCO Course, and Advanced NCO Course. His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Award, the Army Achievement Award, and the designation as Master Training Specialist at the Armed Forces School of Music.
As Drum Major, Spray has had the distinct honor of leading a 99-piece element of "Pershing's Own" in several inaugural parades and state funeral processions. Spray has performed with the Eastern Virginia Brass, the Virginia Beach Pops, the Virginia Symphony, the Virginia Opera, the Arlington Symphony, and the Maryland Symphony. He enjoys playing the electric bass in a worship band at church near his home in Manassas, Virginia, where he lives with his wife Becky. They have two children, Amanda and Matthew and a grandson, Jacob.
