JOHN TOKAR
Class of 2014
CADET / INSTRUCTOR / DESIGNER / MENTOR / ALUMNI LEADER
Cadet Years: Brass/Soprano (1962-1971)
Marching Instructor/Drill Designer (1974-1976)
Board of Directors (1984-1988)
Director/Member of the Cadets Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps (2001)
HIS CADET STORY:
John Tokar began his career with the Corps in 1962. He was a Soprano player, and ultimately earned the position of horn sergeant for the corps. He aged out in 1971 and immediately became an assistant marching instructor for the corps, and eventually the main drill writer for the mid-70’s. He was influential in bridging the relationship between the members of the corps and the staff/administration. He was more than an instructor for the corps; he was, “TOKAR”.
John stayed involved with the corps, even after his tenure as instructor. He was a tremendous Administrative and financial supporter. An initial member of the YEA Board of Directors, John was always there to help the Corps in any way possible. It was not uncommon to have him volunteer to provide the food and beverages – many times at no cost to the corps or its members, for many Cadet and alumni-sponsored events. John did a lot of things behind the scenes, not looking for any recognition. In the words of Hugh Mahon, a former Director for the Corps, “When you asked John for help, all you had to do was to get out of his way . . .”
John was always considered to be the “Model Cadet”. In fact, for the 25th Anniversary Celebration of DCI in 1996, he was asked to adorn the Cadet Uniform, as the Cadet Representative, in tribute to the Cadets as one of the founding members of DCI. John marched across the field, as if he were still a Cadet. Any alumnus who knew John would automatically recognize that it was him on the field.
John Tokar gave more than three decades of love and service to the corps, both as a marching member, staff member, administrator and supporter. He epitomized “Cadet Class”. He was a friend and mentor to many.
