Soldier Heals with Music and Service to Community

By Sgt. Javier Amador

108th Training Command (IET) Public Affairs

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The atmosphere was almost electric as the band’s final rehearsal came to a close at the Concord First Assembly Church. The first service for their weekend was to begin just minutes later and already, the people were filling the seats on March 28, 2015. Last minute performance notes and final critiques were shared before they got a moment prior to the service to take a quick break.

Among the musicians walking off the stage was Master Sgt. David E. Battaly, of the 108th Training Command (Initial Entry Training). Like many musicians, Battaly works a full-time “day job.” Battaly is an Active/Guard Reservist, a Reserve Soldier who serves in a full-time capacity. He fills two very demanding positions, one as his unit’s operations non-commissioned officer and the other as the unit’s training manager. Along with his prodigious technical skills he also has an extensive musical background.

“I started playing the trumpet as a sixth grader and then went to college to study music,” Battaly said. “After I came off of eight years of active duty service, I was a high school band director in Memphis, Tennessee.”

Learning to play an instrument is difficult, but Battaly finds that meeting the challenges music presents can be rewarding as well as personally beneficial.

“It’s fun,” Battaly said. “I enjoy playing the horn as an instrumentalist, and it is just a good way to relax and enjoy myself.

Stephen Hargett is an assistant pastor at the church as well as the musical director. He points out the difference Battaly has made in the band despite having gotten to know him only recently.

“He started coming to church here last summer, and I found out he was involved in music at his last church,” Hargett said. “So we asked him to get involved here. He is a very integral part of our team. He just jumps right on in and helps make everybody else better.”

The band stays busy, performing in all of the services. However, Hargett also understands Battaly has military obligations to fulfill. To that end, he appreciates the sacrifices of time Battaly makes as well as his reliability in letting him know when duty calls.

“He gives us plenty of advance notice of when he’s going to be away, so then we have the ability to work everything out which is really great.” Hargett said.

Battaly points out that there is more to playing music than just the personal elation it brings him. It offers him a way to give thanks, especially for what he has been able to accomplish in other areas of his life.

“Performing here at the church, gives me a chance to give service back. I thank God for everything he has given me. He has given me a wonderful career in the military, and he has also given me gifts and talents as a trumpet player and as a musician,” Battaly said.

Playing music also gives Battaly a way to express his strong sense of duty to others as well. He uses his position in the band as a vehicle to share that commitment with the audiences.

“I enjoy serving my community and my country and in serving my community, I serve my church as a musician,” Battaly said.

As a Soldier, Battaly has been deployed into combat and as a senior noncommissioned officer, he also fully recognizes the challenges his fellow Soldiers face on their road to recovery from a combat deployment, especially those in his care. As a result, he gladly shares his experience.

“I encourage all of the Soldiers in my unit and those that I encounter that it is okay to have a life outside of the uniform,” Battaly said. “We serve our country in uniform every day, but it’s also okay to serve your community outside of it. I chose to be a musician in my local church, but it’s very important for Soldiers to understand, when you’re not deployed, you’re not downrange, live and be a part of the community where you live.”

While Battaly may describe himself as a quiet professional, he also strives to not only live by but also lead others with the sense of duty and guiding principles that are such an important part of who he is.

“I hope other Soldiers find their place, their comfort in what they do and in all of the dedication and service they have given to their country. Go ahead and use some of that energy back home,” Battaly said. “Share your passion, but maintain your professionalism and never forget you are a Soldier first but enjoy your time at home and enjoy your community.”

Master Sgt. David E. Battaly, (left,) the G3 senior plans noncommissioned officer of the 108th Training Command (IET) and Assistant Pastor Stephen Hargett, the band director for the Concord First Assembly Church, discuss the band’s performance March 28, 2015. Battaly regularly plays music with the church’s band as part of his commitment to serving his community. Photo by Sgt. Javier Amador, 108th Training Command (IET), Public Affairs Master Sgt. David E. Battaly, (standing middle,) the G3 senior plans noncommissioned officer of the 108th Training Command (IET), plays his trumpet during an Easter Celebration held at the Concord First Assembly Church March 28, 2015. Battaly regularly plays music with the church’s band as part of his commitment to serving his community. Photo by Sgt. Javier Amador, 108th Training Command (IET), Public Affairs