Master Sergeant Susan Govier, clarinet, is originally from Lakewood, Colorado, and graduated from Green Mountain High School. Prior to entering the Air Force, she earned a Bachelor's degree in music performance at the University of Northern Colorado and a Master's degree in music performance at Arizona State University. In August 2001, she entered the Air Force and was assigned to Offutt AFB. During Airman Leadership School she received the distinguished John L. Levitow Award.
Sergeant Govier has made three recordings with the USAF Heartland of America Band and was hand-selected by the commander as principal clarinet in March 2004. She has supported other Air Force bands in a variety of ways, including a performance of a US Military Tattoo with the USAF Band of the Golden West and the making of a recording with USAF Band of the West.
Master Sergeant Susan Govier currently serves as clarinetist for the United States Air Forces in Europe Band, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. She is the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the Concert Band and Clarinet Quartet. Also, as the Resource Advisor, she is responsible for managing the budget for a 45-member squadron in support of USAFE-AFAFRICA missions including building and preserving partnerships through official multi-national military, and international community outreach events.
A Colorado native, Master Sergeant Govier graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 1999 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance and Arizona State University in 2001 with a Master’s Degree in Music Performance. In the summer of 2001, she auditioned and was selected for assignment to the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, where she served as clarinetist. Throughout her three assignments, Sergeant Govier’s responsibilities included Director of Operations and First Sergeant. She has also had the honor of performing for numerous U.S. Presidents and dignitaries.
In 2018, Master Sergeant Govier deployed in support of operations INHERENT RESOLVE, FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, and the Resolute Support mission as the Director of Operations for the Air Force Central Command Band. She was responsible for coordinating the movement of three teams to perform for troops at numerous forward operating bases throughout Iraq and Afghanistan as well as coordinating embassy and community relations performances in Bahrain, United Arab of Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. Master Sergeant Govier also managed logistics for the band’s first-ever trip to Pakistan, supporting Department of State priorities focusing on partnership-building missions.
EDUCATION
1999 Bachelor Degree, Music Performance, University of Northern Colorado
2001 Masters Degree, Music Performance, Arizona State University
2005 Airman Leadership School
2010 Noncommissioned Officer Academy
2014 Associate of Music, Community College of the Air Force
2017 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy
2018 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Correspondence Course
ASSIGNMENTS
August 2001-June 2011, USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt AFB, NE
June 2011-January 2020, USAF Academy Band, Peterson AFB, CO
January 2020-Present, USAFE Band, Ramstein AB, Germany
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal with bronze star
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon
John L. Levitow Award
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class 14 Aug 2001
Senior Airman 14 Dec 2003
Staff Sergeant 1 Aug 2005
Technical Sergeant 1 Jul 2008
Master Sergeant 1 Jun 2012
(Current as of March 2020)