SSgt Erik Lofgren is a pianist and the Non-Commissioned Officer in charge (NCOIC) of Productions at the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan. He performs in the Pacific Trends Rock Band and serves as the Musical Director of the PT Jazz combo. 

SSgt Lofgren grew up in South Florida and worked extensively as a freelance musician beginning at the age of 15. He graduated from Dillard Center for the Arts High School in 2007, then went on to perform with Disneyland CA, Princess Cruises, and hundreds of bands and artists before joining the military.

In 2018, SSgt Lofgren enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Band at Fort Campbell, KY, and later the United States Army Europe and Africa Band and Soldier’s Chorus in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He was laterally appointed from Specialist to Corporal in July 2021 and promoted to Sergeant in April 2022. In addition to playing his instrument, he served as the Music Director and NCOIC of several small groups, NCOIC of the band's Physical and Travel Security office, and an Operations Representative for many groups. In November of 2024, he won an audition for the United States Air Force regional bands while stationed in Germany. He separated from the Army after seven years and enlisted in the Air Force in December of 2025.

EDUCATION
2019 Army Basic Music Course, Joint Base Little Creek, Virginia Beach, Va.
2019 The Sabalauski Air Assault School, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.
2020 Tactical Drivers Course, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.
2021 Basic Leader Course, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

ASSIGNMENTS
1.    March 2019 – May 2022, Pianist, 101st Airborne Division Band, Fort Campbell, Ky.
2.    May 2022 – October 2025, Pianist/Operations Representative, US Army Europe and Africa Band, Sembach, Germany
3.    December 2025-Current, Pianist, US Air Force Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
Army Good Conduct Medal with brass bar and two knots
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
NCO Professional Development Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
German Army Marksmanship Badge
German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge
Expert Marksmanship Badge (M4, Pistol)
Driver and Mechanic Badge
Air Assault Badge

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS 
2019 Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Military Outstanding Musician Award
2021 Commandant's List, Basic Leader Course

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION 
Corporal (US Army) July 30, 2021
Sergeant (US Army) April 1, 2022
Staff Sergeant Dec. 4, 2025

(Current as of February 2026)