First Marine Division Band plays at NFR

Camp Pendleton’s First Marine Division Band performed prior to the Dec. 12 National Finals Rodeo performance at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.

The 41-member band opened with a salute to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines before playing the Star-Spangled Banner prior to the rodeo’s seventh go-round.

“I think it’s a great experience and it’s an honor to be able to represent the Marine Corps and the United States at such a prestigious and widely-watched event,” said Gunnery Sgt. Benjamin Becker, a drum major for the Marine Corps band and the unit leader.

The band included seven trum...