The Corps' uniform consisted of white shirts and pants, black shoes, maroon service hats and capes. The Corps would later switch from black shoes to white bucks. The Corps began with "G" bugles, then changed to piston bugles in 1938, enhancing the music.

The Drum and Bugle Corps was co-ed, with the female members playing the bells. The Corps would march in parades as separate units in their respective boroughs. All three units would come together for major parades such as Armed Forces Day and Veterans' Day.

The Drum Corps would compete among themselves during this period, since they were not allowed to join competing circuits. The Corps had an opportunity to compete against the Holy Name Cadets (Garfield Cadets) in 1939, but were denied entry due to their race.

In 1941, both Mr. Taylor and Mr. Porter were drafted into the Army, and Herbert Von King was hired to run the program (primarily the Drum and Bugle Corps)  Mr. Von King's background was with the Boy Scouts, causing tension in the program and resulting in many members leaving the Corps. Despite the decline in membership, the program continued and began to rebuild.

In 1947, Wilbert E. Burgie was hired by Camp Minisink as a group leader. Mr. Taylor returned after his military service and continued to run the program until his death. At this time, Mr. Burgie was elevated to Secretary of Boys Work and served up to 1950 when he too was drafted into the military.

During "Burgie's" absence, James "Poppa D" Dixon Sr. became the Drum Corps Director. Bugle and drum instructor, Mr. Dixon, hired Charles Batchelor who served as his assistant and taught drill. The Drum Corps' emphasis  was primarily as the parade unit for the Cadet Corps with hopes of becoming a competing unit.

A young James A. Lathan joined the Drum Corps during this period. "Jimmy" Lathan was a student at Music and Art High School, enabling him to read and write music. Recognizing his talent and skill, Mr. Dixon appointed Jimmy as the drum instructor then as Drum Major. Thus began the foundation that would benefit the Minisink Program and the Corps that was known then as the "Minisink Band."

Due to "Poppa D's" affiliation and contacts, the drum corps practiced at such locations as St. Augustine's Church in the Bronx, Col. Charles Young American Legion Post on Lenox Avenue and 142nd Street and finally the Minisink Town House on Convent Avenue and 145th Street in Manhattan.

In 1952, Wilbert E. Burgie returned to the program after his military service. His experience gave him insight as to what was needed to  formulate one of the most progressive programs ever to meet the challenges facing our people and our communities.

The Drum Corps continued to progress during this period. They changed uniforms to maroon and white, purchased new and better instruments and attained national exposure. The Corps marched in the 1955 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, seen by millions all over the country and the world. In that same year, the Corps became New York City Parks Department Champions.

The Drum Corps would participate yearly at Princeton University's "Homecoming," but did this as an all male group, since the university was not co-ed at the time. The progressive members of the Corps and some instructional staff felt that the corps was ready for M & M competition. (Which they were!) When this did not happen, they left the Corps and formed the "Empire State Cavaliers."

In 1957, the Corps finally moved to a central headquarters, located at 531 West 155 Street, housing the entire Camp Minisink Program. The Drum Corps was called the "Minisink Warriors."

In 1961, James Cooke, Jr. was hired as a full time staff member. In addition to his duties as a cadet unit leader, "Burgie" placed him in charge of the Drum and Bugle Corps. James first marched as a member of the drum line, became drum major and then business manager. Jimmy Lathan was hired as Corps Director and this combo set the groundwork to prepare the corps for active M & M competition.

While serving as the Regimental Band for the Cadet Corps, the Corps competed in numerous standstill contests in the tri-state area.

To orient the Corps members to M & M competition, the Corps would attend indoor and outdoor contests as spectators, namely the "Dream" at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City and an indoor M & M contest hosted by the PAL "Manhattanairs" at the 369th Armory in 1962. Membership in the Corps at this time consisted of cadets, Feathermen and campers, which helped increase its numbers.

In 1964, the "Warriors" became members of the Greater New York M & M Circuit and entered into active competition. The first year on the field was a learning experience, since the Corps placed last in every contest except one where they came in next to last. The following year the Corps also joined the Northeastern M & M Circuit, which increased the Corps competing schedule.

In 1968, the "Warriors" gained recognition as a National Corps by making the finals at the "World Open" in Lynn, MA. In this event, the Corps had to compete against some 300 other units to reach the final twelve positions.

The "Warriors" went on to dominate both M & M Circuits, winning the Championship from 1968 to 1973. In addition, the Corps further gained national exposure when they marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1967, 68 and 69. The Corps competed in the American Legion and VFW "Nationals", the "U.S. Open" in Ohio and participated in the New York Sate American Legion competition from 1968 to 1973.

The Corps traveled extensively up and down the east coast, spreading the name of the Minisink Program and Cadet Corps to the delight of everyone who saw them.

The "Warriors" continued to compete up to the late 1980's, when the unit disbanded.

Note: Thanks to Albert A. Haughton and James A. Lathan for providing the oral history.