Announcing the Troopers Hall of Fame Class of 2024

The Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps are pleased to announce the Hall of Fame class of 2024.

Michelle Ottoes

Michelle is the very definition of Honor, Loyalty and Dedication. She was a member of the Troopers color guard in 1990 and 1991 and continued her involvement with the corps as a much-needed volunteer throughout the late 1990's.  In recent years, she has become an integral and valuable part of the food truck operations throughout the summer.  She has dealt with scorching hot days, little or no sleep, and significant time away from home - all as a volunteer, driven by her dedication and love of the Troopers. As a Troopers Alumni, Michelle passes on her love of the corps to current generations, beloved as Trooper Mom to all.

Tim Snyder 

Tim Snyder is a freelance arranger/composer, educator, adjudicator, and clinician. He is also founder of BOX5 Media, creating audio and video productions. With this broad skill, Tim has shaped the new image and creative trajectory of the modern Troopers organization. Under his leadership, the horn line finished 12th in 2015. In 2021, Tim ushered in a new creative era for the corps and by 2022, his “vorAcious” production launched the Troopers to the Top 12 for the first time in 13 years. In 2023, he solidified the resurgence of the Troopers to national prominence with his creative vision, “To Lasso the Sun”, and a Top 10 spot in DCI Finals.

Michael Gough

Michael marched soprano from 2000 to 2004 and Drum Major his last two years. During the 2006/07 season, he produced the award-winning “America’s Core” documentary and in 2009, “Hell Bent for Victory”. In 2016, he stepped in as Marketing Director to coordinate events, fundraisers, and community relationships. During the pandemic, Michael utilized modern technology to digitize the entire Troopers operation and introduce new technologies to the organization. Michael became Corps Director in 2021 and brought the corps back to the performance field. Under his leadership, the 2022 show “vorAcious” returned Troopers to the Top 12 followed by the thrilling 2023 Top 10 placement with “To Lasso the Sun”.

Jen Kowalski 

After a Trooper bus accident in 2011, Jen created the first social media page to connect parents with key tour information. This page transitioned into the Troopers Fan Page and she began the Trooparents page for current member parents to bond, get information from staff regarding the corps and tour. Jen, who was also the recipient of the 2017 Volunteer of the Year award for her efforts, has continued to manage both The Troopers Fan page and The Trooparents page for over a decade and has helped countless parents feel at ease while their kids are off marching as members of the Long Blue Line.

Melanie True

Melanie encompasses the Trooper spirit and passion in every way. She marched soprano bugle in the Cadets and “A” Corps from 1964 to 1969, and the Legacy Corps since its 2019 inception.  Melanie’s commitment to the corps seems endless: On The Road Again participant, organizer of the DATR Trooper Table and History Night to inspire young Troopers, mending uniforms, unloading equipment, as well as volunteering on the Food Truck and participated in the Troopers Bar-B-Que.

Serving as historian for the Legacy Corps as well as the financial support Melanie and husband Dave provide makes it possible for the legacy of the Troopers to continue far into the future.

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The Troopers Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 30th at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center in Casper, WY starting at 10:00am. Breakfast will be served. For tickets and details on this and TroopCon 24, visit www.TroopersDrumCorps.org/troopcon24