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. As music director; his 1000+ arrangements have been performed on six continents. As tour manager, Sergeant Rager has coordinated Air Force Band engagements throughout the United States and deployed environments. He has held key positions in musical and administrative roles to include tour manager, music director, auditions, finance, video/audio production and supply. Sergeant Rager was part of the award-winning video/audio production team for “Best Innovative Video Series” crediting his video production work for ‘Sessions @ Crawford Hall’ and ‘Sonic Masters’. He has facilitated leadership and mentorship as an additional duty First Sergeant, sexual assault/suicide prevention trainer, mentor at the First-Term Airmen Center, physical training leader, and is involved with the American Red Cross therapy dog program.
During his tenure at Air Combat Command Headquarters, Sergeant Rager served as NCOIC of Audio/Visual Systems & Event Operations; managing two million dollars of hardware and software assets across multiple operating systems. He synchronized a 7-member team; coordinating and troubleshooting unclassified and secret information technology for commanders and directorates locally and globally. Sergeant Rager directly supported the Commander, Air Combat Command by synchronizing schedules and managing cradle-to-grave logistics at the General Creech Conference Center for over 500 conferences, seminars, and leadership development programs for the total force of all six military branches.
Sergeant Rager has deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel and NATO’s Resolute Support - performing music all over the world; developing & strengthening relationships with joint warfighters, local nationals and Embassy partners. Sergeant Rager is in high demand as a solo piano/vocal entertainer for military and civilian leaders, demonstrating the capability of music to connect and inspire.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
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 Certification: Networking & Security
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
ACHIEVEMENTS
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 Air Combat Command Public Affairs Team of the Year
2016 Air Force Public Affairs Communication Excellence Award
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
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Commendation Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal, Second Oak Leaf Cluster
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
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
ASSIGNMENTS
Dec 2020 – present USAF Band of Mid-America | Scott AFB, IL
Dec 2018 – Dec 2020 ACC Headquarters, A/V Systems & Event Operations NCOIC | 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