First African American First Sergeant for the 106th Army Band

Sergeant Major (SGM) Danny J. Fletcher:

SGM Fletcher was born September 5, 1955, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is a 1973 graduate of Little Rock Hall High School, received a Bachelor of Music Education Degree, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He currently resides in Little Rock, Arkansas.

SGM Fletcher began his military career when he enlisted as a private in the 106th Army Band, Arkansas Army National Guard on May 5, 1973. Throughout the years he served the 106th Army Band in a variety of leadership positions including Saxophone Section Leader, Woodwind Group Leader, Stage Band Leader, Jazz Combo Leader, Unit Retention NCO, Unit Recruiter, Unit Mobilization NCO, and Principal Drum Major.

On January 24, 2001, he was appointed First Sergeant and acting commander for the 106th Army Band. He served in this position until July 2006. On February 23, 2004, while serving as First Sergeant and acting commander for the 106th Army Band, he was appointed as Sergeant Major for 1st Army Bands West, Army National Guard, and he was the first Sergeant Major to hold that position. SGM Fletcher graduated from the United States Sergeants Major Academy, Class#1-06 in June 2006. In this capacity he served as a Senior Enlisted Leader on the Army Bands Strategic Council and served all Soldiers in the (51) Army National Guard Bands of the United States of America. SGM Fletcher retired in 2015 with over 42 years of service. He is currently the Arts Director for the Little Rock School District. The LRSD serves over 25,000 students.