Technical Sergeant Cody Peterson serves as keyboardist for the Heritage of America Band. A native of Stillwater, Minnesota, TSgt Peterson pursued a bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire prior to joining the Air Force. He has performed both as a soloist and band member in a variety of groups covering styles of music from rock, pop, country, jazz, and more.
TSgt Peterson enlisted in 2013 with the USAF Band of West, Lackland AFB, TX, and has performed for military and civilian audiences around the world. Some of his most notable performances include sharing the stage with the Royal Australian Air Force Band at the Avalon International Air Show, and a joint concert with the Royal Malaysian Air Force Band at Pacific Angel 22-2 at Subang Air Base, Malaysia.
TSgt Peterson has deployed multiple times to Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Djibouti, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and many other locations throughout Southwest Asia in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.
EDUCATION:
2018 Airman Leadership School, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Sep 2013 – May 2015 USAF Band of the West, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX
2. May 2015 – Aug 2015 USAF Central Band, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar
3. Aug 2015 – May 2018 USAF Band of the West, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX
4. May 2018 – Aug 2018 USAF Central Band, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar
5. Aug 2018 – Feb 2022 USAF Band of the West, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX
6. Feb 2022 – Feb 2025 USAF Band of the Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
7. Feb 2025 – Present USAF Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Air and Space Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Achievement Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with 3 oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award
AF Good Conduct Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with 1 service star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon Short Tour
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border with one oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with one oak leaf cluster
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Airman First Class – 10 Sep 2013
Senior Airman – 10 Jan 2016
Staff Sergeant – 01 Feb 2018
Technical Sergeant - 01 Oct 2023
(Updated July 2025)