Colonel Eugene W. Allen, US Army ret.

Colonel Eugene W. Allen was the commander of The U.S. Army Band from 1976 to 1990. Col. Allen served as the senior band officer of the U.S. Armed Forces for many years. He was also the commander of the 101st Airbone Division Band, and was airborne qualified. He served as advisor to the White House and State Department on military music affairs. Under his command, the band toured Japan and Australia in 1988.

Colonel Allen is the composer of "Salute to Veterans," the official march of the Veterans Administration, and "The Major of St. Lo," the official march of the 29th Infantry Division. He was the president of the American Bandmasters Association in 1988.