Family of St. Paul service members participate in 43rd Army Band

The U.S. military and music have had a long history together. That’s particularly evident in the 43rd Army Band.

November 12, 2025Updated: November 12, 2025
News Channel NebraskaBy News Channel Nebraska

ST. PAUL, Neb.— The U.S. military and music have had a long history together. That’s particularly evident in the 43rd Army Band.

This band, consisting of National Guard members, travels all around the state. They put on concerts and provide entertainment to the public.

Kim and Brad Jacobs of St. Paul met in the band. Now two generations of their family are players. 

“I noticed this cute little flute player in the front row, but then I went off the basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey,” said Jacobs. "I came back and the flute player was still there. I asked her out several times but she’d usually just turn me down. But, I always thought, some day. Persistency pays.”

Their son, Dustin, joined the band and the Guard during his junior year of high school.

The family says the Guard’s help with tuition is nice, but their desire to serve the country drives their service. 

The band and the Jacob’s family mostly play patriotic music, like "America the Beautiful."

The band posts all of its concerts on its Facebook page. 

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