Team Andersen captain excels as Guam Symphony Society cellist

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  In today's Air Force, many Airmen use unique skill sets and talents that enable them to complete the mission. With the recent implementation of revised performance reports and the ever-rising bar that is the standard, Airmen also must incorporate their skills and talents into becoming ambassadors in their communities. 

One captain from the 554th RED HORSE Squadron showcases her ambassador spirit by applying her artistic abilities within the local community. 

Capt. April Bowman, a lead engineer assigned here since August 2007, plays cello for the Guam Symphony Society, a non-profit organization that promotes classical music on the island of Guam. 

"I have been a member of the Guam Symphony Society since November 2007," Captain Bowman said. "In the symphony, I play the cello, but I can also play the piano, violin, guitar, trumpet and drums. I started piano when I was five years old and the cello when I was 10 years old. The other instruments I have picked up along the way. Although I play many instruments, the cello has always been my favorite."

Captain Bowman performed with the symphony at the Harmony Fair held at the Hilton Guam Resort and Spa in Tumon Bay Nov. 11 in front of roughly 100 attendees. The symphony executed stirring renditions of the "William Tell Overture," "1812 Overture," and "Stars and Stripes Forever."

"It is easy when the community has made this opportunity so positive," Captain Bowman said. "Whether your passion is music or athletics, there are opportunities to be involved with activities both on and off base. Sharing my talents with the Air Force and the Guam community is rewarding. I hope it encourages others to do the same."

Captain Bowman's thirst for music parallels her thirst for the mission.

"I love music," Captain Bowman said. "It, like engineering and the Air Force, is something I feel a great deal of passion. The cello can be such a powerful and intense instrument. It is musically versatile and physically demanding. As a member of the symphony I get to share this passion with other musicians who understand it and appreciate it."

Like her musical aspirations, her desire for Air Force blue blossomed relatively early at the age of 12.

"My father took me to an air show where I was introduced to the Civil Air Patrol," Captain Bowman said. "I joined the CAP the next week and stayed with it until I graduated from high school. That led me to AF ROTC at Boston University where I graduated in 2003 with a degree in aerospace engineering and a commission as a second lieutenant."

Before coming to Andersen, Capt. Bowman spent previous assignments at Osan Air Base, Korea, and Altus Air Force Base, Okla.

"Initially, what drew me to the Air Force was my love of engineering, but I quickly developed a love of the discipline, standards and core values which is what ultimately motivated my call to service," Captain Bowman said. "To this day, I have a hard time imagining doing anything else."

Captain Bowman's tireless efforts on and off duty do not go unnoticed in her chain of command.

"April is an outstanding officer on duty and to see her other vast skills off duty is amazing," said Lt. Col. Anthony Davit, 554th RED HORSE Squadron commander, "Her drive and motivation is an example that we can all learn from."