Chaplain Lance Mitchell Lormand serves as the Unit Chaplain for the 21st Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Army Airfield in North Carolina. Pope Army Airfield is part of the Fort Bragg garrison — home to roughly one tenth of America's Army. The 21st Special Tactics Squadron provides highly trained personnel for rapid global missions that support Air Force operations.

Rayvon Owen smoothly and seemingly effortlessly brings authenticity and emotion to his lyrical narrative and melodies. Each song in his catalogue is a glimpse into who Owen is as a person, and a testament to the joy that can only come from being yourself. His glowing collection of pop gems—layered with textures of soul, R&B, and incandescent synth—have earned attention from the likes of People Magazine, Huffington Post, USA Today, and Billboard.

The young pop and R&B star broke onto the scene during the 14th season of American Idol, placing fourth in the singing competition. Since then, his career has been on an upward trajectory.

In addition to performing with the Idols Live Tour and releasing several successful singles, Owen also hosted The Sims Spark'd on TBS, which won a Webby Award in 2021. He was featured as Elvis Duran's "Artist of the Month" in 2018 and performed his song "Gold" on The Today Show. He has been honored to sing the National Anthem at several NFL and NBA games and even performed the halftime show for the Phoenix Suns and WNBA's Dallas Wings. Owen plans to do more public appearances and television in 2025, including starring in an untitled reality pilot following his life as an artist from Hollywood to Washington, D.C.

Currently, Rayvon Owen is a Veteran of the United States Navy, who served his Nation proudly as the Military Solo Vocalist to the White House.

Yuri Johnston lives in East Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a stay-at-home dad, married to his wife who is also Deaf, and enjoys raising their two sons together. Yuri finds adventure in everyday life and values the time spent with his family.

Lexington Senior High School, Army JROTC is led by First Sergeant (Retired) Johncarlo Lewis. Our program is located in Lexington, North Carolina and is always proud to support our State, Community, District, Cadet Command, and our Citizens. Lexington Senior HS, JROTC has developed into one of the most visible and Nationally recognized programs in our great state and received many accolades from many dignitaries and professional sports teams and Universities across the state of North Carolina.

The All Veteran Group (AVG), independently owned and operated, is comprised of dedicated individuals of both active/retired military and patriotic Americans.

Since our inception in 2011, we have focused on representing companies and military veterans with the highest level of professionalism through parachute demonstrations, tandem parachute experiences, brand ambassador programs, sponsorships & special events.

With AVG, we are changing directions and changing lives. We provide a blueprint to translate aspiration for change into action, and a new sense of freedom. Traditional values of teamwork, effort, accountability, trust and selflessness are the cornerstones of AVG's Programs.

Colonel David H. Ickles, a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps in 1999 after graduating from Texas A&M University. An accomplished artillery officer, Col Ickles has held a wide range of command and staff positions across the Marine Corps and joint environments.

Early in his career, he served with 2d Battalion, 11th Marines, deploying to the Pacific and later supporting combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He went on to instruct at the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, training U.S. and international officers in fire support operations.

Following his graduation from the Expeditionary Warfare School, Col Ickles deployed to Iraq as a fires and effects advisor with a Military Transition Team. He later commanded Battery L, 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, and earned a master's degree in Regional Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, followed by in-country training in Egypt as a Middle East Foreign Area Officer.

His subsequent assignments included serving as Executive Officer of 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, Deputy Officer in Charge of the Marine Corps Training Mission in the UAE, and Regimental Logistics Officer with 12th Marines in Okinawa. As Inspector-Instructor for 2d Battalion, 14th Marines, he oversaw HIMARS detachments supporting operations in Afghanistan.

Colo Ickles earned a second master's degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2020. He then served on the Joint Staff (J35) as Emergent Sourcing Branch Chief, and from 2023 to 2025, commanded 10th Marines and led Joint Task Force – Southern Guard.

He currently serves as the Assistant Division Commander of the 2d Marine Division, bringing over two decades of operational, instructional, and strategic leadership experience to the role.

The Blue & Gold Marching Machine (BGMM) of North Carolina A&T State University stands as one of the most esteemed and influential collegiate marching bands in the United States. Respected for its musical precision, dynamic visual presentation, and culturally rooted showmanship, the BGMM is a defining symbol of pride for the university and a celebrated ambassador across national performance stages.

Directed by Dr. Kenneth G. Ruff, the band comprises approximately 250 student musicians, dancers, and auxiliary performers representing diverse academic majors and career pathways. Members are held to high expectations of musicianship, character, academic integrity, and leadership, with many continuing into careers in education, performance, business, engineering, and the arts.

The BGMM is widely recognized for its significant performance portfolio, including appearances in nationally televised parades, professional sporting events, and large-scale competitive showcases. Most recently, the band was awarded ESPN Band of the Year (Division I) in 2023. In January 2024, the BGMM earned the honor of performing in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. The ensemble has also performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York City, Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, HBCU Week at Disney, the New York Giants NFL Halftime Show, the Detroit Lions NFL Halftime Show, and the National Battle of the Bands in Houston. Earlier major national recognition includes recognition by Sports Illustrated as one of the Top 10 Marching Bands in the Nation.

More than a performance organization, the BGMM fulfills a vital educational mission. Students receive intensive musical and leadership development, gaining skills in discipline, teamwork, responsibility, and public engagement. The band serves the university through ceremonies, campus traditions, alumni gatherings, and community events. Outreach initiatives including partnerships with local schools, mentorship workshops, and annual service projects reinforce the BGMM's commitment to empowering youth and contributing positively to the broader Greensboro community and beyond.

Known for its precision drill design, soulful harmonies, powerful brass voicing, expressive auxiliary performance, and signature high-stepping marching style, the BGMM has earned a national reputation for unforgettable performances. Every performance is an expression of heritage, scholarship, culture, and pride.

    As the ensemble continues to evolve, the Blue & Gold Marching Machine remains dedicated to honoring its legacy while inspiring new generations of student musicians. United in spirit and excellence, the BGMM proudly proclaims: AGGIE PRIDE — WORLDWIDE.