Technical Sergeant Candy Chang Tasker is a flutist and piccoloist with the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA. Originally from Kent, Washington, her Air Force career began in 2016.
TSgt Tasker is a 2016 graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Flute Performance and Arts Administration. She also pursued a minor in Historical Performance (baroque flute). Her teachers include Alexa Still, Michael Lynn, and Kathie Stewart.
TSgt Tasker performed at the 2017 U.S. Presidential Inauguration for President Trump and his family where she was featured as a soloist. She has also shared the stage with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and American a cappella group, Pentatonix. She has appeared on Classical King FM’s Northwest Focus Live, Spokane Public Radio’s From the Studio, ABC, ESPN, and FOX news.
An avid educator, she has also taught masterclasses at the University of Arizona, University of Idaho, California State East Bay, College of Southern Nevada, Willamette University and Corban University.
EDUCATION
2020 - Airman Leadership School, Academic Achievement Award and Distinguished Graduate
2016 - Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Bachelor of Music in flute performance
ASSIGNMENTS
May 2016-present USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal – 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
AF Good Conduct Medal – 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award – 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2025 – Band of the Golden West NCO of the Year
2025 – Air Mobility Command Public Affairs NCO of the Quarter
2025 – Band of the Golden West NCO of the Quarter
2023 – Band of the Golden West NCO of the Quarter
2020 – Band of the Golden West NCO of the Quarter
2020 – Distinguished Graduate and Academic Achievement Winner, Airman Leadership School
2018 – Air Force Public Affairs Award for Communication Excellence - Outstanding Communication Airman
2017 – Air Mobility Command Public Affairs Airman of the Year
2017 – Band of the Golden West Musician of the Quarter
2017 – Band of the Golden West Commander’s Award
2017 – Band of the Golden West Airman of the Year
2017 – Air Mobility Command Public Affairs Airman of the Quarter
2017 – Band of the Golden West Airman of the Quarter
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class – May 2016
Senior Airman – September 2018
Staff Sergeant – May 2020
Technical Sergeant – July 2023
(Current as of April 2026)