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For the second time in three years, one of the world's most recognizable bands is coming to the Valley for a Salute to the Military event that also features a special guest -- Wasilla's Sgt. Tyler Hall, a soldier injured in Iraq who recently got his Purple Heart from President George W. Bush.

The United States Army Field Band and Chorus of Washington, D.C., is performing a free public concert on May 11 at 7 p.m. as part of the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce's annual Salute to the Military festivities. This year, the chamber has worked to bring Hall home as well.

"We've been working to fly him home and give him the appreciation he deserves," said Bert Hall, one of the event organizers.

Hall is currently in Washington, D.C., where he is going through rigorous rehabilitation therapy. He had to have a leg amputated and received extensive injuries while serving in Iraq late last year.

The U.S. Army Field Band and Chorus appeared in the Valley in 2001. The band is one of the most recognized in the world, having played at presidential inaugurations, national Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans' Day events and the Winter Olympics. The band also plays free community concerts around the country.

The band organized in 1946 and features powerful and diverse selections, ranging from marches and overtures to popular music and patriotic selections.

Tickets are free, but are limited. They will be available on April 27 from the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce office, the Frontiersman's office, KMBQ's office, Wasilla City Hall and the Mat-Su Borough building. People are asked to be seated by 6:45 p.m., when nonticketed attendees will be seated.

Organizers are asking nonmilitary groups such as the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts to attend in uniform, and are asking others to consider wearing patriotic colors.

American flags will also be distributed.

For more information, interested people can call the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce at 376-1299 or Hall at 373-4611.