[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 187 (Friday, November 7, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING DR. KENNETH G. ``KEN'' BODIFORD FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY 
    SERVICE TO JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY AND THE FIELD OF MUSIC 
                               EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 2025

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor Dr. 
Ken Bodiford. Dr. Bodiford served as Director of Bands at my alma 
mater, Jacksonville State University. During his 32-year tenure, he 
transformed the Marching Southerners into one of the most respected and 
accomplished collegiate marching programs in the Nation.
  Under Dr. Bodiford's leadership, the Marching Southerners expanded 
from approximately 140 members to more than 500, becoming one of the 
largest collegiate marching ensembles in the country. His vision and 
commitment to excellence elevated the Southerners to national and 
international acclaim, representing Jax State and the State of Alabama 
on some of the world's most prestigious stages.
  Throughout his tenure, Dr. Bodiford led the Southerners in 
performances at the 80th Anniversary of D-Day in 2024, the World Peace 
Parade in 2019, the Bands of America Grand National Championships in 
2019 and 2002, the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor in 2016, the London 
New Year's Day Parade in 2012 and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 
1995.
  Dr. Bodiford served as Director of the Spirit of JSU Drum and Bugle 
Corps from 2001 to 2007, guiding the ensemble to multiple Top 12 
finishes at the Drum Corps International World Championships. He also 
served as Director of the United States Army All-American Marching Band 
from 2016 to 2017, leading some of the nation's most talented young 
musicians in performances of the highest caliber.
  His contributions to music education have been recognized nationally 
through his election to Phi Beta Mu, the International Bandmasters 
Fraternity, which honors exceptional leadership and lifelong dedication 
to the advancement of band music. Beyond his professional achievements, 
his greatest legacy lies in the generations of students, educators and 
performers he has mentored.
  Dr. Bodiford's career stands as a testament to the power of vision, 
passion and leadership in shaping both institutions and lives. His 
tireless dedication has brought great honor to Jax State, the Marching 
Southerners and the State of Alabama.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Jax State fans and family, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary 
career of Dr. Kenneth G. ``Ken'' Bodiford.

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