SSgt Matthew L. Garza is a Trumpet player in the Concert Band, the Ceremonial Band and Travis Brass for the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA. Originally from Sugar Land TX, his Air Force career began in 2010.
Senior Airman Garza is a 2003 graduate of the University of Houston, Houston, TX, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education. While in Houston, he studied with Dr. James Austin and Mr. Jim Vassallo. He held principal positions with the Moores Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and the Houston Sinfonietta. Prior to joining the United States Air Force, he was the band director for the Catholic Youth Organization in Kenosha, WI.
EDUCATION
2003- B.A. Music Education, University of Houston
2014- Airman Leadership School Distinguished Graduate
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS DEVICES
1. Air Force Commendation Medal 0
2. AF Organizational Excellence Award 0
3. AF Good Conduct Medal 0
4. National Defense Service Medal 0
5. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal 0
6. AF Longevity Service 0
7. USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon 0
8. AF Training Ribbon 0
ASSIGNMENTS
Sept 2010- present, Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, California
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
SSGT- DEC 2015
SRA- SEPT 2012
A1C- SEPT 2010
(current as of August 2016)