Through two decades with the U.S. Army Band, he’s performed for presidents, dignitaries and for countless patriotic crowds. So the stakes were decidedly slighter for Limestone County native Jason Sanders when he returned home recently — all to strike up an accompanying trumpeter’s tune for Dancercise Class participants at the Athens Activity Center.

Sweating to the sweet sounds of a world-class performer might not be hit your ear as the highest-profile moment in Jason’s 20-year military and musical career. After all, he’s performed in nationally televised events for Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

But after traveling almost 12 hours from Washington, D.C. to perform for Limestone County locals, Sanders showed there’s plenty of significance in embracing the hometown spirit. He even confessed to having a tiny case of performer’s jitters as he returned to Athens to play in front of a decidedly friendly local audience — a group that even included his mother, regular Activity Center attendee Reita Sanders.

“It’s really great to see her still be so active and social with everyone,” said Jason. “There are so many great people here, and they all make the effort to get out and do something fun.”

Jason’s Army Band duty hasn’t always been celebratory: On more than 6,000 occasions at Arlington National Cemetery, he’s been a key participant in solemn ceremonies that included his performance of Taps. But this month in Athens, he was able to relax and enjoy the local fellowship that comes with embracing music’s lighter side, sticking around at the Activity Center to talk with guests about his role at the cemetery … and even trying his own hand at some of the center’s fun dance lessons.

“It’s just good to be back home,” said Jason. “I’ve had a lot of support throughout my career from my family and friends here. To be able to give back a little bit really does mean the world to me.”