Joseph J. Annis, Jr.

United States army 1996-2003

operation enduring freedom

Staff sergeant army

achievement medal

Mr. Joseph J. Annis, Jr., enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from Enrico Fermi High School in 1975. Pvt. Annis completed BCT, (basic combat training), at Ft. Dix, NJ, and graduated as a percussionist from the USAESOM, (United States Army Element School of Music), Little Creek, VA. The mission of the U.S. Army Band is “esprit de corps” for the troops and promoting good public relations through the performance of music. He was assigned to the 24th Infantry Division Band at Fort Stewart, GA and reenlisted for the 1st Armored Division Band in Ansbach, Germany. Attaining the rank of Spec.5, (specialist-5th class), Annis was Honorably discharged from active duty in 1981.

Following a break in service, Mr. Annis enlisted in the U.S. Army reserves with the 94th Army Band, “New England’s Musical Ambassadors”, stationed in East Windsor, CT., under the 94th Regional Support Command, headquartered at Devens, MA. There, he attained the rank of SSG, (staff sergeant), while playing the drums with various ensembles within the 94th Army Band, throughout New England and beyond, including several performances during a mission to Reykjavik, Iceland. SSG Annis was Honorably discharged from the U.S. Army reserves in 2003. After 38 years of service, Joe retired from the USPS in Enfield, CT., following a career as a rural carrier. He performed with the ‘Big E’ Mardi Gras Band for about 12 years entertaining the crowds at the fair. He continues playing the drums, most currently with the Springfield Italian-American Marching Band and the Blue Skies Big Band out of Somers, CT. He is a member of the DAV and the past Adjutant of the John Maciolek American Legion Post 154, serving currently as the Junior Vice Commander of Post 154.