Technical Sergeant Ryan Rager, a native of South Sioux City, Nebraska (Sioux City, Iowa), is a keyboard player and vocalist with the United States Air Force Bands. Alongside his work as a musician, he has supported a wide range of administrative and operational functions within his units, including First Sergeant duties, sexual assault and suicide prevention training, mentorship at the First-Term Enlisted Course, physical training coaching, and participation in the American Red Cross therapy dog program - because dogs are his favorite people.
As a music director, his arrangements have been performed on six continents. He was part of the award-winning, first-ever production teams for Sessions @ Crawford Hall and Sonic Masters. He has earned three Air Force Morrell Media Awards and two regional Emmy® Awards and was nominated for two additional Emmy® Awards.
During his tenure at Air Combat Command Headquarters, Sergeant Rager served as NCOIC of Audio/Visual Systems & Event Operations supporting the Commander, Air Combat Command, where he managed $2M in hardware and software assets across multiple operating systems. He led a 7-member team, coordinating and troubleshooting unclassified and secret information technology for commanders and directorates worldwide.
He synchronized schedules and managed cradle-to-grave logistics at the General Creech Conference Center for over 500 conferences, seminars, and leadership development programs for the total force across all six military branches.
Sergeant Rager has deployed multiple times, leading Air Force bands in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, and NATO’s Resolute Support. He has performed worldwide, strengthening relationships with joint warfighters, host-nation partners, and U.S. Embassy personnel. He is in high demand as a solo piano/vocal entertainer for military and civilian leaders.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
2025 AI Essentials Training; Google Inc., Mountain View, CA
2024 CompTIA Certified: Security +
2022 First Sergeant Training Seminar; Scott AFB, IL
2021 CompTIA Certified: Security +
2020 Non-Commissioned Officer Academy; Sheppard AFB, TX
2020 First Sergeant Training Seminar; Langley AFB, VA
2020 Leadership & Coaching Certificate
2019 Petty Officer Professional Military Education; Naval War College
2019 CompTIA Certified: A+
2017 Professional Manager Certification
2016 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education I
2016 Non-Commissioned Officer Course 15
2014 Masters of Music Theory; University of Nebraska
2013 Community College of the Air Force Music Degree
2013 Airman Leadership School; Offutt AFB, NE
2007 Bachelor of Music Education; Buena Vista University
ASSIGNMENTS
Jan 2026 – Mar 2029 USAF Band of the West | Lackland AFB, Texas
Dec 2020 – Dec 2025 USAF Band of Mid-America | Scott AFB, IL
Dec 2018 – Dec 2020 Headquarters, Air Combat Command | Langley AFB, VA
June 2013 – Nov 2018 USAF Heritage of America Band | Langley AFB, VA
Mar 2009 – May 2013 USAF Heartland of America Band | Offutt AFB, NE
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Commendation Medal, Second Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal, Second Oak Leaf Cluster
Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Second Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Meritorious Unit Award, First Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Third Oak Leaf Cluster
Expeditionary Medal with Bronze Service Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, Second Oak Leaf Cluster
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, Second Oak Leaf Cluster
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
ACHIEVEMENTS
2025 Team of the Quarter (Roots in Blue Rock Band) USAF Band of Mid-America
2025 SAF/PA Morrel Media Award (Live Performance)
2024 Team of the Quarter (Information Technology) USAF Band of Mid-America
2022 Non-Commissioned Officer of the 4Q, USAF Band of Mid-America
2020 Distinguished Graduate, Sheppard Non-Commissioned Officer Academy
2019 Air Combat Command Headquarters Team of the 3Q
2019 Volunteer of the 1Q, Air Combat Command Headquarters
2018 Non-Commissioned Officer of the 1Q, Air Combat Command Public Affairs
2018 Non-Commissioned Officer of the 1Q, USAF Heritage of America Band
2017 First Sergeant Council’s ‘Diamond Sharp’ Award
2017 SAF/PA Morrel Media Award (Recorded Performance)
2017 Air Combat Command Public Affairs Team of the Year
2016 Air Force Public Affairs Communication Excellence Award
2016 SAF/PA Morrel Media Award (Recorded Performance)
2016 Air Force Sports: National Cycling Team
2015 Air Force Sports: National Cycling Team
2015 Non-Commissioned Officer of the 4Q, USAF Heritage of America Band
2014 Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Musician Award
2014 Non-Commissioned Officer of the 3Q, USAF Heritage of America Band
2014 Airman of the 1Q, Air Combat Command Public Affairs
2013 Academic Achievement Award, Airman Leadership School
2011 Airman of the 1Q, Air Combat Command Public Affairs
2011 Airman of the 1Q, USAF Heartland of America Band
2010 Airman of the 4Q, USAF Heartland of America Band
DATE OF PROMOTION
Technical Sergeant 01 October 2019
Staff Sergeant 01 January 2014
Senior Airman17 July 2011
Airman First Class 17 March 2009
current as of 12 May 26