Through Navy Recruiting Command's Music for Recruiting program, Navy Band Southwest's popular music group, the "Destroyers", traveled to Military City USA to participate in the annual Fiesta Celebration, Apr. 23 - 29.

The group's first performance was for students of Winston Churchill High School held Apr. 23, in the northwest part of the city.

Joined by Sailors of Navy Recruiting District San Antonio, the band's purpose was to spread Navy awareness, and provide students the opportunity to interact with recruiters to ascertain information on the numerous opportunities and benefits that America's Navy has to offer.

Musician 2nd Class Clifton Murray, a guitar instrumentalist, of Corona, California, remarked on why the Music for Recruiting program is important.

"The reason that I'm in the Navy Band is directly due to the fact that my high school jazz ensemble did a clinic with the Pacific Fleet Band during my senior year," said Murray. "Before that, I would have had no idea at all that the Navy had bands."

After the performance, the Sailors prepared for the Cavaliers River Parade which allowed the band, along with hundreds of other parade entries, to be showcased along the famous San Antonio Riverwalk.

"What a great event! San Antonio has a long legacy of military service, and we were met with enthusiastic support from spectators and the local community," said Senior Chief Musician Steve Pendel of Farrell, Pennsylvania, who serves as the band's keyboard instrumentalist. "As Navy musicians, it was our privilege to perform at such a spectacular venue."

According to Pendel, the band is a valuable tool used to pique students' interest in America's Navy and ease the process of engaging with recruiters.

On Apr. 24 and 25, the Destroyers performed at Sam Houston High School and Smithson Valley High School located in Spring Branch.

"My favorite part was engaging with the students and inspiring them to go after what they are passionate about," said Musician 2nd Class Rachel Vennel, lead vocalist from Ledyard, Connecticut. "They are usually surprised that we are all full time, active duty Sailors whose primary job is performing as musicians."

Additionally, during Fiesta, the Destroyers performed at Navy Day at the Alamo, Flambeau Night Parades and were featured live on Great Day SA, a local morning show.

"The Flambeau Night Parade was tons of fun," said Musician 3rd Class Joshua Smith, a percussionist from Clarksville, Tennessee. "All the lights, and all the people cheering and dancing enlightened me to the pride and culture that the people have in San Antonio. I hope that we are able to do it again in the future."

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For more news from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, visit www.navy.mil/.