JR Bechtel returns to the Bushwackers percussion staff in 2009. JR's drum corps career began with the Bushwackers in 1996. In 1998 he was a member of the world champion Cadets of Bergen County snare line. Following that season he returned to the Bushwackers where he served as percussion caption head and arranger from 1999-2003.

In 2004 JR was the percussion caption head and arranger for the Lehigh Valley Knights, and in 2008 he served as the percussion caption coordinator and arranger for the Fusion Core Drum and Bugle Corps.

JR has been an active arranger and instructor for bands and indoor drum lines since 1995. Away from the marching arts, JR likes to spend time with his wife and two children.