Senior Master Sergeant Clarence Anthony Carpenter, a native of Sebring, Florida, started his military career in the U. S. Army in February 1989 and remained until October 2000. He held posts with the 7th Infantry Division (light) Band at Fort Ord, CA, the 79th Army Band at Fort Clayton, in the Republic of Panama, and the 434th Signal Corps Army Band at Fort Gordon, GA.
In 2003 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was assigned to the Heritage of America Band at Langley AFB, VA. He then served in the United States Air Forces in Europe band from 2008-2014. He is currently stationed at the United State Air Force Band of Mid-America Scott AFB IL, where he performs as percussionist in the concert band. In addition to his musical duties, Sergeant Carpenter serves as the Superintendent for the Band. He is a member of the Scott Air Force Base "Top III" Association and Air Force Sergeant's Association.
Senior Master Sergeant Carpenter has performed throughout Europe, connecting with foreign citizens and enhancing U.S. partnerships in the countries of Russia, Poland, Turkey, Slovenia, Lithuania and many others. In March 2009 he deployed as a member of the U.S. Air Forces Central Band Sirocco in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. While deployed, SMSgt Carpenter performed throughout S.W. Asia for service members on R&R. In Kyrgyzstan, the group entertained service members, and local school children. During their travels to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait, SMSgt Carpenter stated that, "these were some of the most rewarding performances, ever. Playing for our people, seeing how they go about their business day in and day out, is an experience like nothing else I've ever done". Senior Master Sergeant Carpenter has performed for President George W. Bush and with Kurt Elling, Tom Coster, Terell Stafford, Wycliffe Gordon, Nick Brignola, The Platters, The Coasters, and the Drifters, and many local and regional acts. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Florida State University. His former teachers include Steve Hemphill and Gary Werdesheim.
In 2011-2012, Senior Master Sergeant Carpenter served as the Director of Operations for the United States Air Forces in Europe Band. In this position, he scheduled performances throughout Europe and Africa working with many embassies, foreign military and civic leaders to build closer ties between our Nations. In addition to our traditional NATO allies, other countries include the African nations of Ghana, Chad, and South Africa, as well as, events in Israel, Albania, Bulgaria, Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Turkey, and Poland.
In his spare time, Sergeant Carpenter enjoys playing golf, coaching youth sports, woodworking, and spending time with his wife and children.
HONORS
2005 Heritage of America Band's NCO of the Year
USAF NCO Academy distinguished graduate award (class 04-4)
Three Sr. NCO of the Quarter awards (1st Qtr 08),(2nd Qtr 09), (3rd Qtr 13)
NCO of the Quarter awards (1st Qtr 05)
U.S. Army's BNCOC Commandant's list (1994)
AWARDS
Meritorious Service Medal with Two oak leaf clusters
Army Accommodation medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
AF Organizational Excellence Award
AF Good Conduct
Army Good Conduct with three bronze loops
National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
AF Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
Germany Schützenschnur Marksmanship Gold Award