Staff Sergeant Alaina M. Shaw serves as a clarinetist in the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. The 60-member unit, composed of ten musical ensembles, performs more than 350 missions annually throughout a ten-state area of responsibility as an ambassador of the Air Force and Air Mobility Command. The unit’s mission is to honor our nation and its military, inspire and invigorate the resiliency of Airmen and their families, and connect with both the American public and vital regional and national partners to build trust and advocate for our nation’s strategic defense priorities.
A native of Fishers, Indiana, SSgt Shaw is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance in 2007. She earned a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance in 2013 from the University of Maryland. She began her military career in 2013, first assigned to the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis Air Force Base, California. She took her current assignment at the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America in October 2022.
EDUCATION
2007 – Bachelor of Music, Clarinet Performance, Eastman School of Music
2013 – Master of Music, Clarinet Performance, University of Maryland
2017 – Airman Leadership School, Travis AFB, CA
ASSIGNMENTS
- July 2013 – September 2022, Clarinetist, United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA
- October 2022 – Present, Clarinetist, United States Air Force Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, IL
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award
AF Good Conduct Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with 1 oak leaf cluster
USAF NCO PME Distinguished Graduate
Senior Airman Below the Zone
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class May, 2013
Senior Airman March, 2015
Staff Sergeant December, 2017
(Current as of June 2024)