SMSgt Andrew J. Benton is a native of Colorado Springs, Colorado and a graduate of Indiana University with a Master's of Arts degree in Piano Performance, He entered the Air Force on March 2004 and was assigned to U.S. Air Force Academy Band located at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado as an airman and pianist. He has held assignments with the Air Force in Europe Band, Ramstein Air Base, Germany and the Band of The Golden West, Travis Air Force Base, CA. SMSgt Benton currently serves with the Air Force Academy Band as pianist and Section Chief of Operations.
EDUCATION:
Masters of Arts, Piano, Indiana University, Bloomington Indiana
Noncommissioned Officers Academy, Peterson AFB, CO
Associate Degree, Community College of the Air Force
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 AFB, CO
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Technical Sergeant – 26 April 2004
Master Sergeant – 01 August 2014
Senior Master Sergeant – 01 May 2020