"Taps" - my father calls it the greatest honor that a trumpet player could be asked to do. It only involves 24 notes but is considered one of the toughest performances for a trumpet player. If executed beautifully, the sound of "Taps" could send shivers down your back and put tears in your eyes. One cracked note could be very obvious to every single individual in the audience.

The summer before my junior year of high school, I found out about an organization called Bugles Across America. My father saw their commercial while watching the evening news and told me to Google the organization.

Ever since seventh grade, I had dreamed of becoming a performer for a military band. As soon as I saw Bugles Across America performed for military funerals, I knew I had to do it. As a performer for a military band, the military would expect me to perform "Taps" on a regular basis. I knew that the more experience I had playing "Taps," the better I would become. Last but not least, all those events I performed "Taps" at would be perfect to put on my resume for future employers to see.

I knew I was a minority when it came to being a member of Bugles Across America. There are not too many girls that I know of who are willing to play "Taps" at funerals and special events. It takes a special kind of courage to accept this mission.

I have performed "Taps" in all kinds of situations - many times it was freezing or scorching hot; sometimes I was lucky enough to perform it indoors. Sometimes I would wait for a couple of hours before I had to perform. I have performed at small funerals, big funerals and major events.

Bugles Across America taught me about honor. When I played "Taps" I was a volunteer. If anyone offered me money, I would have to refuse because I was not the one who deserved to be paid; if anyone deserved the paycheck, it would be the veteran whom I was playing for. For me, it takes a lot of courage to refuse a payment because I know as a poor college student, any amount of money is a good thing.

I learned that, although I will not get paid for performing "Taps," every time I perform "Taps" has given me a memory that will last a lifetime. I had the opportunity to perform at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, the Anatole Hotel in Irving for the Daughters of World War II Veterans Ceremony, Vance Air Force Base during National Police Week (Enid, Oklahoma) and the Enid Fire Department during the 10th anniversary of 9/11 (2010).

I know that if it wasn't for me and the other volunteers at Bugles Across America, the loved ones of a veteran would have to hear a recording. And a recording of "Taps" is not as powerful as a live version of "Taps." I am so thankful to be part of an organization that cares about honoring our veterans. Most of all, I would like to thank my parents for encouraging and supporting my decision to join this honorable organization.