Joined the U.S.Army in 1981. Auditioned for LAB band while at USASOM Band Masters Conference as a Trumpet player.Awarded 3rd chair out of 180+ musicians.Upon graduation I was transfered to the 77th Army Band,Ft. Sill Ok.Loved everything about it except for the funerals.

I've been honored with playin TAPS at 500+ Military Funerals.Not fun,but Honorable.Toured Ok,and Ark.,as a member of 'The Doktorz" Rock band'82-'83 with Mark Schweiters on the keys,Darren Cardoza T-Bone for "ORGONE" on sticks,Keith Smelser (Incredible Guitarist), and Jeff____on Bass.. Left the band program for small weapons and explosives,,,ha ha,,,and then the Army.

Toured  in the 90's playing Bass.Lots of Harmony vocals as we were a 3 piece .Worked in heavy Construction/Tree Climber mostly until a spinal injury finally put me down in 2000.Dr.s wanted to give me a chair...(They didn't know me very well).

Spent most of my life from here just being a Modad.And "Modad" was born.I've done well.Will Jr. is 19, works full time and holds a 3.5+ GPA in his 3rd yr of College.Jacob is graduating Jr. High in june. I did however find that no matter how hard I tried,I could never be a mom.There are some things a man just can't do. I'm a Dad.  A fine Dad,a fine parent who is the wealthiest man on the planet.

 I have never felt so alive as I do today. My relationship with GOD is 2nd to no-one.I thank GOD every minute for my life.(Which he gave me back last year).Seems I'm allergic to Pennicillan all of a sudden.Last thing I remember before I woke up in ICU was they were gonna "CUT OUT MY TONGUE"Thank GOD they didn't..Y'all have no idea. With the help of GODS guidanceThank you Lord

                                                                                     LIFE,,,,,   IT'S AWESOME!

                                                                                         Bill "Modad" Vann