Troopers Name Hall of Fame Class of 2022

The Sabers Circle, the leadership of Troopers alumni programs, is proud to announce this year’s Troopers Hall of Fame Inductees. Five members will be inducted as the corps’ Hall of Fame Class of 2022.

This year’s inductees include: Scott Puryear, Dana Goelz, Bill Long, Rick Rice, and John Aanestad.

Induction for the class of 2022 will take place in conjunction with the Troopers’ preview show in Casper on July 2. Event details are still being finalized and will be announced in the near future.

Here’s a quick introduction of the individuals being recognized this summer for their dedication and contributions to America’s Corps:

John Aanestad marched the Troopers from 1966-1972. He then spent a few years on the corps’ instructional staff, eventually leading the hornline in 1974. Working alongside DCI Hall of Famers including Jack Meehan and Jim Ott, Aanestad proved his merit as an elite brass instructor.

Dana Goelz has been involved with the Troopers since her son began marching in 2012, staying involved through her daughter’s age out in 2021. Originally a food truck volunteer, Goelz headed corps souvenirs in 2018 and 2019. In 2021, she embraced a new mission, elevating the Troopers’ food services and forging new standards in feeding the members. Dana is returning this summer as Culinary Director.

Bill Long is a long-time supporter of the Troopers and a former staff member. First a fan, this Montana band director was tapped to lead the Troopers’ horn line in 1983 and 1984, including the 1985 Tournament of Roses Parade. He returned to this same role in 1992-1994. Long is known for his devotion to musicality, the member experience and his motivational encouragements including “blow down the mountain!”

Marching member, staff, leader and transportation guru all describe Scott Puryear. Scott marched four years with the Troopers, first on euphonium and later on contra. He worked with the corps in a range of capacities from contra tech to bus driver to administration. He served as corps director from 2003 through early 2006 before leaving to pursue other things. In 2021, Puryear returned by way of supporting camp transportation with his bus company, eventually joining the Troopers as a bus driver. He now serves as corps Transportation Coordinator. One of his greatest accomplishments involved his work coordinating the building of the new Troopers Bingo hall and home office. He also championed the leadership structure giving the corps an executive director and a corps director.

Rick Rice began his association with the Troopers as a marching member of the B Corps, before transitioning to the A Corps from 1967 through 1970. A baritone player, Rice eventually served as baritone section leader. Rick has served on the Troopers Alumni Board and participated in the 2019 Alumni Corps. An avid collector of Troopers’ history and memorabilia, Rice is now the corps historian.

Congratulations to all. Again, details for the induction ceremony on July 2 in Casper will be released at a later date.