Master Sergeant (MSgt) David A. Fatek serves as a saxophonist in the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band. He is the Noncommissioned Officer In-Charge of the Rhythm in Blue jazz ensemble, as well as the Assistant Director of Operations and Manning Assist Coordinator. Sergeant Fatek has performed for Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, as well as numerous U.S. Ambassadors and Foreign Dignitaries. However, the most rewarding experiences of Sergeant Fatek's career have been as part of "Building Partnership" initiatives throughout Europe and Southwest Asia.
Prior to joining the military Sergeant Fatek studied saxophone with Ron Kerber (Pieces of a Dream, Philly Pops), Frank Mazzeo (NJ Saxophone Quartet) and Eric Kloss (Prestige Records Recording artist). His performance credits include Grover Washington, Jr., Maynard Ferguson, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Jimmy Buffett, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Bob Newhart, Kristen Chenoweth, and Ann Hampton Callaway.
EDUCATION
2001 Bachelor of Music, Saxophone Performance, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
2002 Master of Arts in Teaching, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
2009 Airman Leadership School, Scott Air Force Base, IL
2017 Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Non-Residence
2017 Associate of Applied Science, Instrumental Music, Community College of the Air Force
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Sep 2003 – Jan 2010, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, IL
2. Jan 2010 – Aug 2011, USAFE-AFAFRICA Band, Sembach AB, Germany
3. Aug 2011 – Feb 2013, USAFE-AFAFRICA Band, Ramstein AB, Germany
4. Feb 2013 – present, USAF Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2008 Airman of the Year, USAF Band of Mid-America
2019 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, Headquarters Air Combat Command Public Affairs
2020 Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Military Outstanding Musician Award
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman 1st Class 15 Jul 2003
Senior Airman 5 Nov 2005
Staff Sergeant 01 Oct 2009
Technical Sergeant 01 Aug 2017
Master Sergeant 01 Nov 2021
(Current as of March 2022)