Nancy Stutman

Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Copper State Post 619 congratulates its distinguished active-duty member Kenneth Wolin on his promotion to Master Gunnery Sergeant of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Corps Band. This title is the 9th and highest enlisted grade in the U.S. Marine Corps. Kenneth is the son of JWV’s past Commander Chuck Wolin and his wife Judy of Sun Lakes.

As part of this elite “The President’s Own” Band, Wolin has performed for some of the country’s most high-ranking officials and their guests at state dinners. He performs with the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra at the White House and across the country during the band’s annual concert tour.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Wolin has distinguished himself by starting specialty bands within “The President’s Own” to play instruments and music of different countries, such as Ireland, Israel, and India, at official White House events honoring their visiting dignitaries.

On March 4, 1801, the Marine Band performed for Thomas Jefferson’s Inaugural and has performed for every Presidential Inaugural since that time. Jefferson has been referred to as the “godfather” of the Marine Band, and he is credited with giving the band the title “The President’s Own.”

Master Gunnery Sergeant Wolin began his musical training at age eight. After graduating from Oak Park High School in 1985, he attended Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio where he earned an undergraduate degree in percussion. Ken continued his studies at the University of Michigan (U-M) in Ann Arbor where he earned a master’s degree in the same field in 1991.

Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” Wolin performed with the Rhode Island Philharmonic in Providence, Sarasota Opera in Florida, and served as an extra with the Detroit Symphony, Toledo Symphony in Ohio, Springfield Symphony in Massachusetts, and New Hampshire Symphony in Manchester.

JWV is proud to have Ken Wolin as a Post 619 member and joins his family in celebrating this stellar promotion.

Jewish War Veterans will resume its Sunday morning brunch meetings on Sept. 10. Post Commander Bob Brooks and the new board are busy planning off-site events and speakers for the coming year. Stay tuned.

JWV boasts members who represent a wide range of religious affiliations and participates in philanthropic activities to help veterans of all faiths.

For JWV information, contact Elliott Reiss at 480-802-3281 or [email protected]. He can arrange for a member to speak to your congregation or organization about JWV.