Where does one go after they are no longer eligible to march DCI? For a few Scouts’ alumni, it has meant serving their country while performing in “The Commandant’s Own”, The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps.

Currently four Madison Scouts alumni serve in the Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, but one in particular, James “Axel” Foley (’99-‘01), was recently promoted to Warrant Officer by Presidential Appointment, a highly distinguished honor shared by only a few throughout the unit’s history.

Since enlisting in the Marines in 2004, Warrant Officer Foley served in a number of capacities to include Drill Designer and Administrative Chief. He also served as the Mellophone Section Leader and was a soloist during many of the Drum & Bugle Corps’ musical selections. Since his appointment and subsequent promotion, Warrant Officer Foley has assumed a number of duties including the role of Operations Officer and Assistant Director.

“My appointment and leadership role in the Marine Drum & Bugle Corps has been a great honor,” stated Warrant Officer Foley. “And I’m quite proud that the Madison Scouts have such a strong representation in the corps.”

New to the corps this year is Lance Corporal Philip Black (’07-’08), lead soprano. “After four hard months of practicing, I finally nailed the audition and landed a spot. I did my time in boot camp, and now I'm here in Washington D.C.,” says Black. “Already in less than a year, I've been to Japan and soon to France. You could say I just followed my childhood dream.”

For Corporal Salvador Torres (’07), lead soprano, he knew he wanted to continue playing his horn after graduating high school and the Marine Corps offered a unique opportunity. “The Madison Scouts taught me to work hard, to move fast, and to think positive when times are tough,” said Torres. “It prepared me well.”

Rounding out the Scouts alumni is Staff Sergeant Ralph Galyean III (’93-’94), lead baritone and section leader. “In addition, we recently had Scouts alumnus Kory Beck (’00-’02) transition from the drum & bugle corps to the Marine Forces Reserve Band based in New Orleans, LA,” stated Foley.

The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps performs martial and popular music for hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. Comprised of 90 Marine musicians, dressed in ceremonial red and white uniforms, it is known worldwide as a premier musical marching unit.

In the tradition of their "field music" predecessors, these musicians in "The Commandant's Own" are Marines in the truest sense of the word. Every enlisted member is a graduate of Marine Corps recruit training and is trained in basic infantry skills. Prior to enlisting, each Marine must pass a demanding audition for service in the Drum & Bugle Corps. Following Recruit Training and Marine Combat Training, the Marines are assigned to "The Commandant's Own.”

“I am very excited to see the Scouts this season,” says Warrant Officer Foley. “I proudly have my Superman patch and corps photos displayed in my office for all to see!”