Staff Sergeant Nathan McDonald is a percussionist with the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA.  He also serves as the unit’s travel team lead. Originally from Des Moines, IA, his Air Force career began in 2018 at Peterson SFB in Colorado Springs, CO. SSgt McDonald studied percussion under Dr. Michael Bump at Truman State University.

Education
2010-2015 – Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, Truman State University, MO
2018 – Airman Leadership School, Peterson SFB, CO

Assignments
April 2018 - June 2022, Peterson SFB, CO
June 2022 – Present, Travis AFB, CA

Awards and Decorations
Air and Space Commendation Medal
AF good conduct medal
Air and space longevity service award
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
AF Training Ribbon
BMT Honor Graduate training ribbon

Other achievements
2021, AMN of the year, Academy Band, Peterson SFB, CO

Effective date of promotion
Airman First Class – January 2018
Senior Airman – May 2020
Staff Sergeant – April 2022