Where Are They Now?
Each year the band takes great pride in preparing a tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces as part of the UW Athletic Department’s annual “Salute to Service.” As director, I have been deeply touched by the emails from alumni and former military personnel thanking us for this special tribute and all the work that goes into preparing the show. That’s why I decided to catch our readers up on five alumni who served in the armed forces. I’m certain there are many former HMB members who have served that I am not aware of. Nevertheless, we salute each and every one of you and thank you for your selfless service to our country.
I would like to thank these five HMB alumni for agreeing to be interviewed for this article. I am developing a list of HMB alumni who have served or are currently serving in the military. If this applies to you or you know of a former member who has served, please consider emailing me their name and contact information at bmcdavid@uw.edu.
– Brad McDavid
Maj. Bruce Coghill, ’65, U.S. Air Force, ret.
Maj. Bruce Coghill, ’65, U.S. Air Force, ret.
A graduate of Nooksack Valley High School, Bruce Coghill was a member of the HMB sousaphone section from 1960 to 1964 and received his B.A. in general business in 1965. Bruce received his commission from the Air Force ROTC while at the UW and was on active duty for 21 years. He retired as a major and transportation squadron commander out of Barksdale A.F.B. in Louisiana.
When asked if his years at the UW helped prepare him for military service, Bruce responded, “Most definitely! There were several fellow band members in the advanced AFROTC program and the two programs (AFROTC and HMB) really complemented each other. The teamwork required to be successful carried across into the career aspect of the military. You learn very early in a military career, particularly as a commissioned officer, that your subordinates contribute significantly to your success and progression. ‘Cooperate and graduate’ was the motto of the sousaphone section.”
When asked to share a memory from his years in the band, Bruce shared, “Best memory was all the Rose Bowl trips, a week in the sun and warmth of Pasadena after many rainy and muddy weeks of fall on the practice field behind Husky Stadium. Another memory was the noontime meal at the HUB Cafeteria after Saturday morning practice. (Former directors) Bill Cole, Phil Ager and the assistants picked the best and worst sections of that day. Then the worst section had to go through the serving line get the food tray and deliver it to each of the best section members. Of course, we the sousaphone section were already seated and eagerly awaiting the food. This happened on multiple occasions.”
Along with being stationed at many bases around the US during his career, Bruce and his wife, Janielle, also enjoyed living overseas while being stationed in England and Spain.
