A tattoo is an outdoor military exercise given by troops as evening entertainment. The word ‘tattoo’ comes from the closing time cry in the inns of the Low Countries during the 17th and 18th centuries - Doe den tap toe (‘turn off the taps’). The most famous tattoo is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland. From its early days, the Edinburgh Tattoo has been an international favorite. The USFAA began honoring field artillerymen with a musical tattoo in 1984 with the musical program written by Fort Sill’s 77th Army Band. This event has become the highlight of the USFAA Annual Membership Meeting. Each tattoo recipient receives a copy of the music played by the band. See below for previous recipients.

Previous Tattoo Recipients:

• 1984 General (Retired) Donald R. Keith
• 1985 General (Retired) Walter T. Kerwin, Jr.
• 1986 Lieutenant General (Retired) David E. Ott
• 1987 General Jack N. Merritt
• 1988 Major General Charles P. Brown
• 1989 General Maxwell R. Thurman
• 1990 General (Retired) Berton E. Spivy
• 1991 General (Retired) Carl E. Vuono
• 1991 Major General Raphael J. Hallada (Retirement)
• 1992 Lieutenant General Willard W. Scott
• 1993 Lieutenant General Richard W. Trefry
• 1994 Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Henry J. Goodwin
• 1996 Lieutenant General (Retired) Robert H. Forman
• 1998 Major General (Retired) Ansel M. Stroud, Jr.
• 1999 General Dennis J. Reimer
• 2001 General (Retired) J.H. Binford Peay III
• 2002 General Tommy R. Franks
• 2003 General (Retired) John W. Vessey, Jr
• 2006 Lieutenant General (Retired) John A. Dubia
• 2007 Major General (Retired) Vernon B. Lewis, Jr.
• 2008 Lieutenant General (Retired) Dutch Shoffner