19/03/2026
After more than 30 years of dedicated service to the United States Army, we bid farewell to Colonel Bruce R. Pulver as he relinquishes command as the 12th Leader and Commander of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" and retires.
As Commander of The U.S. Army Band, Col. Pulver led with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to both musical excellence and the Soldiers of this organization. His impact will be felt for years to come in the musicians he mentored, the audiences we reached, and the legacy he leaves behind.
As part of his retirement ceremony, Col. Pulver unveiled a custom-made conductor’s baton, which he donated to “Pershing’s Own” in recognition of the band’s sacred mission of rendering honors in Arlington National Cemetery. The baton draws inspiration from the Sentinels' custom pistols at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and like the pistols, it is crafted from wood from the USS Olympia, the ship that carried the Unknown Soldier home from Europe.
Thank you, Sir, for your leadership, your service, and your unwavering support of this band. We wish you and your family all the best in this next chapter.