Master Sergeant Charles M. Cothran is a Pianist and Section Chief of Operations with the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific–Asia, Yokota Air Base, Japan. He provides mission planning, performance support, and leadership to regional band teams operating throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Master Sergeant Cothran enlisted in the Air Force in 2009. His first assignment was with the United States Air Force Band of Liberty at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, where he served as Jazz Band Operations Representative. In 2013, he was assigned to the Band of Mid-America at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, where he served as Music Director for the rock band “Starlifter.” During this assignment, he deployed for three months, countering adversary public communication strategies, strengthening international partnerships, and enhancing morale for deployed service members across multiple branches.
Originally from Pensacola, Florida, Master Sergeant Cothran earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Piano Performance from the University of West Florida in 2007 and a Master of Arts in Jazz Piano Performance from the University of New Orleans in 2009. Prior to joining the Air Force, he served as Music Director for Pensacola Little Theater and studied under renowned artists including Vince Maggio, Fabio Bidini, Oxana Yablanskaya, and Victor Atkins.
EDUCATION
2007 Bachelor of Music, Jazz Piano Performance, University of West Florida, Pensacola, Fla.
2009 Master of Arts, Jazz Piano Performance, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, La.
2009 Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
2013 Airman Leadership School, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
2014 Associate of Arts, Community College of the Air Force
2016 Noncommissioned Officer Distance Learning Course (Course 15)
2019 Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan
2020 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education I (by distance learning)
ASSIGNMENTS
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May 2009 – July 2009, Trainee, Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
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August 2009 – December 2012, Pianist, United States Air Force Band of Liberty, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts
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January 2013 – April 2019, Pianist and Music Director, United States Air Force Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
(May 2014 – August 2014, Pianist, United States Air Forces Central Command Band, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar)
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May 2019 – Present, Pianist and Section Chief of Operations, United States Air Force Band of the Pacific–Asia, Yokota Air Base, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
Humanitarian Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Honor Graduate, Basic Military Training
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2011 Airman of the Year, United States Air Force Band of Liberty
2012 Airman of the Year, United States Air Force Band of Liberty
2019 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, United States Air Force Band of the Pacific – Yokota
2020 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, United States Air Force Band of the Pacific – Yokota
2020 Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award
2021 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award
2021 Public Affairs Communication Excellence (PACE) Award
2019 Distinguished Graduate, Noncommissioned Officer Academy
2019 Academic Excellence Award, Noncommissioned Officer Academy
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Volunteer Victim Advocate, Level 1 D-SAACP Certified
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class, May 26, 2009
Senior Airman, September 26, 2011
Staff Sergeant, July 1, 2013
Technical Sergeant, November 1, 2019
Master Sergeant, April 1, 2022
(Current as of April 2022)