Hermitage man shows his valor in Army show

The show includes true
stories and re-enactments.

By LAURE CIOFFI

VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU

PITTSBURGH — When David Willcox entered the Army, he had no idea it would lead him to the stage.

Willcox, of Hermitage, Pa., is one of more than 300 soldiers performing in “Spirit of America,” a free live show featuring some of the Army’s premier ceremonial units at Pittsburgh’s Mellon Arena.

Willcox, 21, joined the Army last year and while at training camp had the opportunity to apply for the Old Guard, also known as the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment. It is the oldest active duty infantry unit in the Army.

The regiment is stationed in the Washington, D.C., area where it performs at special events. It includes Willcox’s unit, the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, as well as a drill team and a fife and drum corps.

Willcox said it was his 6-foot-6-inch height that got him into the regiment.

“They want to have lots of tall guys out front,” he said.

Willcox, who grew up in New York state and moved to Hermitage with his parents after high school graduation, said the show gives a good account of life through a soldier’s eyes.

The show is told by soldiers who offer true stories about service. Soldiers are in period uniforms throughout the show and re-enact key moments in the U.S. Army and American history. The re-enactments include battle scenes and performances by the Army’s ceremonial units.

Willcox expects his parents, Raylene and the Rev. Tom Willcox, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Sharon, and other family members to attend the shows.

cioffi@vindy.com