Staff Sergeant Melissa Lackore serves as a vocalist for the Heritage of America Band. She is a native of Garner, Iowa. She received her Associate of Arts with an emphasis in music from North Iowa Area Community College. She then continued her education at Wartburg College and received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education.
Prior to joining the Air Force, SSgt Lackore taught K-12 vocal music in the Iowa public school system and High School vocal, instrumental music and music theory in the Nebraska Catholic schools.
In 2011, SSgt Lackore joined the US Air Force and was assigned to the Heartland of America Band, Offutt AFB, NE. SSgt Lackore has deployed to Kyrgyzstan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Afghanistan, and other locations in Southwest Asia. In 2012 she became a member of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band, Ramstein AB, Germany. She joined the Heritage of America Band in November of 2014.
EDUCATION
Associate of Arts, North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City, IA
Bachelor of Music Education, Wartburg College, Waverly, IA
ASSIGNMENTS
1. US Air Force Heartland of America Band, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska (October 2011-October 2012)
2. US Air Forces Central Command Band, South West Asia (February 2012-June 2012)
3. US Air Forces in Europe Band, Ramstein Air Base, Germany (October 2012-Novebmer 2014)
4. US Air Forces Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustice, Virginia (November 2014-present_
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border