Wes and Hellen Bustard

Wes and Helen Bustard’s induction into the Crossmen Hall of Fame recognizes a legacy of extraordinary dedication, service, and love for the corps and its members.

For many years, Wes and Helen were part of the extended family that helped keep the Crossmen moving — literally and figuratively. Their contributions came during an era when drum corps depended deeply on the commitment of volunteers, parents, drivers, supporters, and behind-the-scenes workers who gave their summers, their energy, and their hearts so that young performers could have the experience of a lifetime.

Wes spent 15 summers driving all over the country with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, helping carry the corps from rehearsal sites to show sites, from one city to the next, and through the long miles that define a drum corps season. That kind of service requires patience, sacrifice, trust, and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of the members. Wes provided all of that and more.

Helen’s place in the Crossmen family was equally meaningful. Alongside Wes, she represented the warmth, care, and steady presence that made the corps feel like more than an organization. The Crossmen have always been sustained by people who cared for the members as if they were their own, and Helen was part of that essential support system. Her connection to the corps continued to be remembered and honored by the Crossmen family long after those years on the road.

Together, Wes and Helen reflected the very best of the volunteer spirit. They were part of the unseen foundation that made the Crossmen possible: the people who showed up, gave generously, and did whatever was needed to help the corps succeed. Their service may not have been measured in scores or placements, but it was felt in every mile traveled, every member supported, and every season made possible by their dedication.

Their commitment also reflected the family nature of the Crossmen. Wes and Helen did not simply support a drum corps; they became part of its life, its rhythm, and its history. Their loyalty helped create the kind of environment where members could grow, perform, belong, and carry the Crossmen experience with them long after the season ended.

For their years of service, their devotion to the members, their commitment to keeping the corps on the road, and their lasting place in the Crossmen family, we proudly honor Wes and Helen Bustard as members of the Crossmen Hall of Fame.