Band History

On June 20, 1919, "Oregon's Own" band was organized and federally recognized as the Band Section, Service Company, 162d Infantry Regiment. The band remained a part of the 162d Infantry Regiment until 1940. The band was inducted into Federal service on September 16, 1940 in Portland. Band members saw service in the South Pacific and received campaign participation credit for the Luzon, New Guinea and Southern Philippines campaigns. After receiving the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for service during World War II, the band was deactivated in 1946 on Okinawa, and redesignated the 234th Army Band on May 17, 1947. At that time, the 234th was organized and federally recognized in Portland OR, and attached to the state militia, and based out of the Portland Air National Guard Base. In 2009, the 234th Army Band joined Pink Martini to present "Oregon! Oregon! A Sesquicentennial Fable in 3 Act" to commemorate the Oregon's 150th Birthday. In 2012, the Band moved to its current headquarters at the newly built Armed Forces Readiness Center in Camp Withycombe in Clackamas. The band traveled overseas to Germany in 2023, performing throughout the country including at the Heidelberg Castle. For over 100 years, the band has provided musical support for Oregon troops, toured the state, and entertained veterans and civilians in Oregon and beyond.