SSG Joel Bernal

Staff Sergeant Joel Bernal is in his fourteenth year of service in the United States Army havingserved eight and half years with Active Duty Bands, and the last six years with the 36th Infantry Division Band of the Texas Army National Guard.  While serving on active duty, SSG Bernaldeployed for 15 months to Iraq where he was able to serve his country by performing music for service members.  SSG Bernal earned membership as a musical ambassador in the Army Europe Band and Chorus traveling throughout over 15 countries.  While stationed in Germany, he had the privilege of performing for several dignitaries including: The Queen of England, the President of France, and President Obama. SSG Bernal has earned the following honors:  the 4th Infantry Division Soldier of the Year in 2009, the Army Bands Soldier of the Year in 2010, and Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Military Outstanding Musician Award in 2021.

As a member of the 36th ID “Lone Star'' Band, SSG Bernal serves as the Principal Clarinet, Clarinet Section leader, Squad Leader, and is the NCOIC of the Operations critical function area. SSG Bernal, a proud Austinite, holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Texas, and works as a General Manager / Estimator for Belfor Property Restoration. In his free time, he enjoys running, attending car shows, and exploring coffee shops in Austin.