2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104339D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 400

Offered March 11, 2026

Commending Major Joseph R. Denti, ANG.

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Patron—Tran

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WHEREAS, Major Joseph R. Denti, ANG, commander and conductor of the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast, the 553rd Air Force Band, retired from military service in 2025; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Denti earned a bachelor's degree in music education and a master's degree in music with a concentration in instrumental conducting from Duquesne University; later, in 2013, he also received a doctor of musical arts degree in instrumental conducting from George Mason University; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Denti began his career with the Air National Guard in 2006 and received his commission through the former Academy of Military Science in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 20, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Denti volunteered for deployment in 2010, leading missions throughout Southwest Asia as a member of the U.S. Air Forces Central band High Altitude; and

WHEREAS, as conductor of the 553rd Air Force Band, Joseph Denti led a musical unit that supported regional Air National Guard units and the United States Air Force through performances at military, recruiting, and community outreach events; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Denti's stateside missions included performances at the NASCAR Pocono 500 and the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Pittsburgh; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his service, Joseph Denti has received numerous military decorations and medals, including the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device; and

WHEREAS, outside of his service as a traditional guardsman, Joseph Denti teaches at multiple grade levels as an instrumental music educator with Fairfax County Public Schools and is a musicianship and eurhythmics instructor at the City Music Center of Duquesne University; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Denti has performed as principal tuba with various brass ensembles and orchestras in the Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., areas and has been a guest conductor with the George Mason University Symphony Orchestra, the George Mason University Chamber Orchestra, the Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestra, and the Vienna Community Band; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Denti has supported the advancement of orchestral music as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for bands and orchestras throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and as an active member of the National Bandmasters Association and the College Band Directors National Association; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Denti's distinguished legacy of service as a member of the Air National Guard is deserving of the praise and admiration of all Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Major Joseph R. Denti, ANG, hereby be commended on the occasion of his retirement from the Air National Guard; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Major Joseph R. Denti, ANG, as an expression of the House of Delegates' appreciation for his service to the country and the Commonwealth.