Greetings fellow Nobles and Bandsmen!

Let me introduce myself. I am James “Moose” Fitzgerald. I currently am the 2nd Vice President of the A.S.O.B.

I grew up in Beresford, South Dakota where I currently reside. I left for the U.S. Navy upon graduation from Beresford High School. I served 20 year on active duty (mostly in the Pacific). I retired as a Chief Petty Officer. I returned back to my hometown upon retirement.

In 2009 I was raised a Master Mason. One month later I was initiated as a Shriner with the El Riad Shrine in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The following weekend I marched in my first parade. I was hooked, and I still am.

I have attended many Imperial Sessions where I have met many fellow OBer's. Attending these events I have the great fortune to have met and conversed with every past ASOB President back to the 1997-1998 ASOB President Paul Pante (Sahib), with the exceptions of Charles Duffin (Al Azhar), Len Turner (Karnak), Bob Johnson (Beni Kedem), and Peter Lawn (Gizeh).

I was an aide to Lonnie Merriman (El Riad) and assisted at Imperial for Richard “BIG” Thompson (El Hasa), Vince Bobrosky (Acca), and David McCarthy (Mosla).

I plan is to retire from my current employment at the close of this year and commit to bringing back those bands that have “fallen by the wayside “ over the years.

Remember our Vision “A HEALTHY ORIENTAL BAND COMUMITY FOR THE BENEFIT OF SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN

Remember our Mission “TO PROVIDE THE TOOLS FOR FUN, MUSIC, RECRUITMENT AND FUNDRAISING FOR THE ORIENTAL BAND COMMUNITY”

I know this pandemic put a strain on many bands and moving forward we will regain our strength as an association and gather for competition and fellowship.

I hope to see many of my friends, and make new ones in the upcoming year.

James “Moose” Fitzgerald
e-mail moose@bmtc.net