Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Benton is the Superintendent for the United States Air Force Academy Band, Peterson SFB, Colorado. The unit executes over 400 missions each year in support of the Department of Defense and Air Force’s strategic communication initiatives, to include the U.S. Air Force Academy’s recruiting mission throughout the 48 contiguous states. The band’s 10 performance teams execute missions in support of U.S. Air Force and Space Force and U.S. Air Force Academy outreach and engagement priorities with focused intent to honor, inspire, and impact diverse audiences and partnerships in the U.S. and around the globe.
A native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Chief Benton entered the Air Force on March 2004 as a pianist and was assigned to the U.S. Air Force Academy Band. He has performed in 16 countries and led teams in support of various efforts to include Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve, Enduring Freedom, and Operation Allies Welcome. Prior to his current position, he has held key musical and administrative leadership positions to include NCOIC of musical ensembles, Section Chief of Resources. and Section Chief of Operations with the Air Force in Europe Band, Ramstein Air Base, Germany and the Band of The Golden West, Travis Air Force Base, CA..
EDUCATION
1996 Masters of Arts, Piano, Indiana University, Bloomington Indiana
2006 Associate Degree, Community College of the Air Force
2008 Noncommissioned Officers Academy, Peterson AFB, CO
2008 Combat Airman Skills Training, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ
2015 Combat Airman Skills Training, Camp Bullis, TX
2016 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education I, Joint Knowledge Online
2017 Senior Noncommissioned Officers Academy, Maxwell AFB-Gunter, annex, AL
2018 Field Craft, Hostile Training, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ
2022 Certified Professional DynaMetric Programs (PDP) Professional
2022 Certified USAF Green Belt Trained Program
2022 Public Affairs Superintendents Course, San Antonio, TX
2023 Department of Air Force Mediator Apprentice Program, Colorado Springs, CO
2023 Chief Leadership Course, Maxwell AFB-Gunter, Annex, AL
2024 Master Resilience Trainer Course, Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL
ASSIGNMENTS
February 2004 – Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, TX
April 2004 – United States Air Force Academy Band, Peterson AFB, CO
April 2012 – United States Air Forces in Europe Band, Ramstein AB, Germany
July 2016 – USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA
January 2020 – United States Air Force Academy Band, Peterson SFB, CO
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Commendation Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Meritorious Unit Award with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 Service Star
Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Air and space Overseas Service Ribbon Long
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
Air And Space Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters
Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon with 1 Service Star
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Member, Chapter 1181 Air Force Sergeants Association September 2023 - Present
Apprentice, Department of Air Force Mediator Community
Secretary, Colorado Springs Area Chiefs Group, 1 Oct 2023 – Present
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Technical Sergeant – 26 April 2004
Master Sergeant – 01 August 2014
Senior Master Sergeant – 01 May 2020
Chief Master Sergeant – 01 September 2023
(CURRENT AS OF 9 AUG 2024)