CONRAD — The trumpet has long been an important part of Jeff Frank’s life. Not only has the Conrad resident performed the Star Spangled Banner at local events, such as Conrad Black Dirt Days Deadlift Competition on June 10, but his nimble fingers have also allowed him to participate in other occasions in which American patriotism was high.

One of those occasions was the National Football League (NFL) Sept. 11 anniversary game between the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys. Before the game began, live NBC camera crews televised the event with actor Robert De Niro serving as host. Cameras zoomed in on Sgt. Frank with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, in his Marine Corps Dress Blues, standing alone at Ground Zero and playing “Taps” in front of the entire country. “Taps” is actually a bugle call which can also be performed on a trumpet, and is played at military funerals, patriotic ceremonies and the end of the military day.

“That was one of the biggest things I have done individually,” he said.

The almost minute-long performance can be found on YouTube under “Taps Played Before Cowboys vs. Jets Game – 9/11 Tribute (9-11-2011).” It is not uncommon for listeners to become emotional when the tune is played. YouTube comments about the “Taps” performance mentioned evoked emotions, or tears brought to the eyes of viewers. Frank, who works at Emerson in Marshalltown as a training lead, had to train himself to not become emotional when he plays.

“I can’t mess that up,” he said. “If you do get emotional, it is tough to not mess it up. I pick something to focus on – a tombstone, a window. For that, I had to take my mind off playing in front of so many people.”

There were 80,000 fans in the stands, and 26 million viewers watching NBC at home.

It was not the first time Frank performed “Taps” at Ground Zero. In 2001, he was scheduled to go to New York City to perform at a Veterans Day ceremony. After the planes struck and the World Trade Center fell, that was put on hold due to the increased threat the nation was facing. However, in November, approval for the performance was given again and Frank went to Ground Zero.

“Eight city blocks from Ground Zero — no one could get there,” he said. “But I was asked to play ‘Taps.'”

The 2011 performance was also not the first time Frank performed for the NFL. In 2007, he played before the Super Bowl game between the Miami Bears and the Indianapolis Colts.

‘Honor, duty, obligation’

One of the most well-known funerals Frank performed at was for Pres. Ronald Reagan in 2004. Frank was amongst other band members performing at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Calif. as the casket was taken to Washington, D.C.

“I joined the Marines for the band, because I fell in love with the Marine Corps and what it represents for this country,” he said. “People saw me play, yes. People knew me, no. They saw my uniform and what it represented. When I changed and walked by them, they did not realize it was me. That goes for Reagan’s funeral, the Super Bowl. I was just representing time served of sons and daughters, their honor, courage and commitment of those before us, and the training of those who come after.”

Whether it is a national performance or a local one, Frank, 48, understands why he is there and why he is playing his trumpet.

“I am not trying to be numb to it all,” he said. “It is an honor, a duty and an obligation, because it does mean so much.”

Joining the Marine Corps in 1996, he enlisted to play the trumpet for the military branch. Frank became a small ensemble leader before serving as a rifle pistol coach. He then served as an operations chief at Marine Corps Headquarters in Quantico, Va., and was promoted to gunnery sergeant, but his trumpet was never far away.

During his military career, Frank traveled the world, participating in more than 300 performances each year.

With a 20-year career in the Marine Corps, Frank has met and surpassed the goals he set for himself. That does not mean he is resting. Outside of his job at Emerson, Frank serves on the Grundy County Community Foundation Board and coaches a variety of children’s sports, such as basketball, football and baseball. He is active in the Conrad Presbyterian Church and is certified to serve as a referee in the state of Iowa. Frank has also served on the Conrad City Council, among other volunteer roles.

“It is really tough getting people to volunteer,” he said, when asked why he is so active.

Even though he is retired, he does not hesitate to acquiesce to requests for performances, as music remains a huge part of his life.

“Music is a big thing in my world,” Frank said. “I will play ‘Taps’ for Memorial Day or ‘God Bless America, the ‘National Anthem’ for ball games. When people ask, if I am available, I will do it.”

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.