Karen and Jack Brennecke
Jack Brennecke marched with the Keystone Regiment and Karen Denesowicz marched with the 507 Hornets. In 1974 the Crossmen were created through a merger between Keystone and 507. That’s where Jack and Karen’s story began as lifetime Crossmen. Karen played mellophone and Jack played bass drum. He later became a baritone player. Jack aged out in 1978 and it was Karen’s last year as well. They continued to help the corps by supporting the directors, staff, and members. In 1982 they created their own Crossmen merger... by getting married.
Throughout the years as active Crossmen alumni, both Jack and Karen were involved in planning and working almost every fundraiser. Jack called bingo games in the 80’s while Karen worked the tables. They were involved in many key fundraisers such as the annual Crossmen Scholarship dinner, the Allentown picnic in the park celebration, and many other events.
When the Crossmen Alumni Association reorganized in 1997, Karen and Jack were instrumental in the fulfillment of the CAA mission statement. They were active in leading discussions and suggesting ideas on how the alumni could contribute to the success of the Crossmen. They opened their home to many alumni gatherings. Karen and Jack were key in supporting the Crossmen’s move to Texas, from sponsoring corps members to helping fellow alumni come to terms with the difficult transition.
They were active in organizing and volunteering to serve Philly style dinners for the members to feel at home when they came back to PA, and various other special meals for the corps while on tour. These dinners were not only a treat for the corps but were also meant to assist the cooking staff and give them a well-deserved break.
In more recent years, Karen, along with Maureen Morrison has organized and run the annual Crossmen banquet in Allentown. Karen is also the force behind “feed the Corps” when the corps is in our area.
Jack runs the audio programs for the banquets and fundraising events and has been the MC of the Hall of Fame ceremony for years. He’s been referred to as “the voice of the Crossmen” as he has narrated several Corps videos and the famed History Night video that he co-produced with Michele Williams.
Throughout the corps’ existence, you can always find Karen and Jack working in the background. By their example, they have influenced many other alumni and friends of the Crossmen to get involved.
Throughout the years as active Crossmen alumni, both Jack and Karen were involved in planning and working almost every fundraiser. Jack called bingo games in the 80’s while Karen worked the tables. They were involved in many key fundraisers such as the annual Crossmen Scholarship dinner, the Allentown picnic in the park celebration, and many other events.
When the Crossmen Alumni Association reorganized in 1997, Karen and Jack were instrumental in the fulfillment of the CAA mission statement. They were active in leading discussions and suggesting ideas on how the alumni could contribute to the success of the Crossmen. They opened their home to many alumni gatherings. Karen and Jack were key in supporting the Crossmen’s move to Texas, from sponsoring corps members to helping fellow alumni come to terms with the difficult transition.
They were active in organizing and volunteering to serve Philly style dinners for the members to feel at home when they came back to PA, and various other special meals for the corps while on tour. These dinners were not only a treat for the corps but were also meant to assist the cooking staff and give them a well-deserved break.
In more recent years, Karen, along with Maureen Morrison has organized and run the annual Crossmen banquet in Allentown. Karen is also the force behind “feed the Corps” when the corps is in our area.
Jack runs the audio programs for the banquets and fundraising events and has been the MC of the Hall of Fame ceremony for years. He’s been referred to as “the voice of the Crossmen” as he has narrated several Corps videos and the famed History Night video that he co-produced with Michele Williams.
Throughout the corps’ existence, you can always find Karen and Jack working in the background. By their example, they have influenced many other alumni and friends of the Crossmen to get involved.
