Flutist hits different note as 2023 National Guard Army Bands Soldier of the Year

ImageGallery

The U.S. Army School of Music named Spc. Margaret Suarez, a flutist with the District of Columbia National Guard 257th Army Band, the National Guard Army Bands Soldier of the Year for 2023, Oct. 13, 2023. The purpose of The Army Bands Soldier/NCO of the Year Competition identifies those Army musicians who best embodied the concept of highly-trained, disciplined, holistically fit experts and professionals.

220809-Z-EZ981-2027.JPG Photo By: Master Sgt. Arthur Wright

Related Stories:

Flutist hits different note as 2023 National Guard Army Bands Soldier of the Year

WASHINGTON - The District of Columbia National Guard 257th Army Band pose for a photograph Aug. 9, 2022. The band performs in concert missions throughout the National Capital Region, to include parades, and also accepts public requests. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by TSgt Andrew Enriquez)

DOWNLOAD PHOTO (11.42 MB)

This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Further, any commercial or non-commercial use of this photograph or any other DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at http://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations.html , which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters.

Back to Gallery

Video Player

Video by Sgt. 1st Class Erica Jaros

MIC'd Up with JTF-DC Commander Col. Doane

715th Public Affairs Detachment

Sept. 17, 2025 | 1:01

U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, commander, Joint Task Force - District of Columbia, D.C. National Guard, speaks with Soldiers from various states and members of the public about their experiences during the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission at locations across the District on Sept. 17, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. 1st Class Erica Jaros)