TSgt Michael Mannella performs as trombonist in The PACAF Band, Yokota AB, Japan. He performs with the Pacific Brass and Pacific Showcase Jazz Ensemble. In addition to his musical duties, TSgt Mannella also serves as the Section Chief of Readiness, managing 14 personnel and 6 work centers, to include the units training and deployment programs.
TSgt Mannella enlisted in the Air Force in September of 2005 and upon graduation from Basic Military Training, reported directly to his first assignment at The USAF Band of Liberty, Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts. Spanning 16 years (so far), Michael has been stationed at four bases on three different continents. In his previous assignment, TSgt Mannella was the Operations Representative for the 45 member concert band at the Heritage of America Band, Langley AFB, Virginia. He was responsible for planning all events and logistics for events throughout the bands 15 state/150,000 mile touring region.
During TSgt Mannella’s 16 year career he has had the opportunity to represent The United States Air Force alongside world class artists such as Jane Monheit, John Pizzerelli, The Buffalo Philharmonic, and Principal trombone of the New York Philharmonic, Joseph Alessi.
EDUCATION
2000 Bachelor of Music, Trombone Performance, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.
2002 Master of Music, Trombone Performance, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.
2005 Doctor of Musical Arts (course work complete), Trombone Performance, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas
2012 Airman Leadership School, Kapaun Air Base, Germany
2017 Associates Degree, Instrumental Music, Community College of the Air Force, Joint-Base Langley-Eustis, Va.
2018 Non Commissioned Officer Academy, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. October 2005 - June 2011, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.
2. June 2011 - July 2013, Ramstein Air Base, Germany
3. July 2013 - October 2019, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.
4. October 2019 - Present, Yokota AB, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air Force Organizational Excellence
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Overseas Ribbon (Long)
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2012 – John L. Levitow Award, Airman Leadership School
2017 – HQ ACC/PA, NCO of the 3rd Quarter
2020 – PACAF Band, NCO of the 2nd Quarter
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class – September 2005
Senior Airman – January 2008
Staff Sergeant – September 2011
Technical Sergeant – September 2018
(Current as of October 2021)