Starting in the month of February BAA had several states and players do programs around the event in history called "The Four Chaplains". Our member Mr. Ken Wales who co authored a book called "Sea of Glory". This was based on a true story about the ship USAT Dorchester that was sunk in the Atlantic Feb. 3, 1943. Hundreds of men were saved by four chaplains who gave their lives so others could live.  More at www.fourchaplains.org   . In May BAA lead the Chicago Memorial Day Parade for the 12 th year down State St. BAA also designed a special pin and a full 3 by 5 ft Flag for the Gold Star Mothers. In June BAA does a Flag Day program  nationwide on the 14th and this also celebrates the Birthday of the United States Army. In July on the 4th   we help celebrate the birth of our country by providing  horn players all across America. During the school semester we supply Medals and awards to JROTC Cadets in several states. In August over 550 horn player joined in the Spirit of 45 a new program to remember...

Hi Tom, Drum corps audition season is upon us again and it is allowing me time to reflect on this summer and all the things that happened. I am also spending lots of time reflecting on how I got there and I wanted to send you this as another thank you for the incredible opportunity of which you so generously helped me take advantage.

I marched with the 2010 Colts on the drumline and had the time of my life. I lost 50 pounds, I became a better musician, performer, and person, I met people that became brothers and sisters to me. I traveled the country and played a show I loved performing for thousands of people every night. And I absolutely owe it to you! I could not have done this without your support and I would not not be the person I am today without the experience. For that I am eternally grateful and I really cannot say thank you enough.

Tom, I wish you the happiest of holidays and again, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your generous donation to my cause!

Sincerely, 

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A message from Bugler, Founder , and President of BAA.... At the start of 2010 I had an offer from a friend to help raise funds for what we do. Sounded great. Problem was they needed to get more involved with the BAA web site. The other problem came up about March when Dave Krause our long time Web Master had to take some time for his business. So the result was we had people tell us "No Problem" they could do this better, oddly that was around April 1st. Not being an IT man I said please help. The man they got was Dan Petrek who did his best. Then we found IT Architechs in St. Louis. They were suggested by State Director and EAST National Director Howard Reitenbaugh, Pa. So, for the past month or so they have been converting BAA into a working unit again using the same format Dave Krause used. Dot-Net-Nuke. All this cost me a few dollars but now well worth it. In the future when all Directors are tuned in as to how to operate the system we will be well ahead of where we were in January 2010 . During...