The Officers of the Atlantic Watch

Ernie Lackey, Pipe Major

Ernie Lackey is in his second tour of duty as Pipe Major. He assumed the position in January, 2008, after being appointed by the band's board of officers. Lackey is the founder of the Atlantic Watch and served as its first Pipe Major from the band's inception in 1993 until stepping down in 2005. Lackey has been playing the bagpipes for over 40 years and has played in competitions sanctioned by the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association and the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, winning awards in both solo and ensemble events on two continents. Lackey served in the U.S. Marine Corps for elven years, attaining the rank of captain before retiring due to injuries. As Pipe Major, Lackey is responsible for the Atlantic Watch's music as well as the general direction and administration of the band. Ernie Lackey's fondest memories from his tenure with the Atlantic Watch so far include receiving a proclamation and the keys to the city of Hamilton, Bermuda, and meeting and speaking with HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, while playing with the band in Scotland.

Ed Brett, Drum Major

Ed Brett joined the Atlantic Watch in 1995 as a snare drummer and advanced to lead snare (also called lead tip) and Color Sgt. 18 months later. He was promoted to Drum Major following the retirement of long-time Drum Major Bill Joseph 3 years ago and has been leading the band fearlessly since. Ed's main drive is to keep the band as traditional in dress, deportment, and music as can be expected, and his unending interest in military history and Scottish roots are invaluable to help this organization reach those goals. Ed's family is very active in the band as well, with his wife Mikki and daughters Jenny and Leslie part of the Atlantic Watch family.

Ginnie Morningstern, Band Secretary

Ginnie Morningstern is the Atlantic Watch's long serving Secretary. Ginnie has been playing the bagpipes since 1984. She joined the newly formed Atlantic Watch in May, 1993. As Secretary, Ginnie does more than take minutes at Officer's and General meetings. She is responsible for checking attendance at each band event and tracking each member status. She is also charged with broadcasting news and announcements to the membership. In addition to her duties as Secretary, Ginnie serves as a piping instructor and was a member of the Competition Band. As Sergeant Major, she leads the band in the absence of the Pipe Major. Ginnie has piped with the band in Scotland, Bermuda, New Orleans and Hawaii.

Al Baker , Band Agent

Al Baker was elected to the position of Band Agent in November 2007. Originally he joined the Pipes and Drums of the Atlantic Watch in October of 1999 to learn bagpiping with his son Jon, and has developed a keen interest in both the music and the instrument. Al earned the Most Improved Piper Award in 2005, was promoted to Corporal in 2006, and then to Sergeant in 2007. His most memorable experience as a member of the Atlantic Watch was marching in the Pipefest 2005 in Edinburgh, Scotland, where 10,000 pipers marched past Arthur’s Seat – a volcanic formation on the edge of the city – to the parade ground adjacent to the Queen’s Palace in Holyrood. Having completed the Atlantic Watch’s instructional program, he has been taking additional lessons from a private instructor, and has been competing in select Eastern United Stated Pipe Band Association competition events. When not piping, Al is a principle in an engineering consulting firm, DSC LLC., providing services in the field of communications systems.

Kevin Stone, Treasurer

Kevin Stone has been a member of the Atlantic Watch since 1998. He has served as the group's Treasurer since 2002. Having never played the pipes before joining the Atlantic Watch, Stone was enamored of the group when he saw the band performing for the traditional Red Bank Santa Claus train. At the invitation of the band members, he visited the group's next practice and was instantly impressed by the membership's diversity, energy and family-like dynamic. Soon after joining the band, Stone's son (then age 11) also joined so the two could learn to pipe together. Among Stone's favorite moments from the past decade with the band was marching in New Orleans during Mardi Gras to huge crowds unfamiliar with bagpipes. And he is still overwhelmed each time the band plays "Amazing Grace".

	Len Calabro, Band Quarter Master