Staff Sergeant Anneke Bentley is a vocalist with the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii. She is a member of the popular music ensemble Hana Hou! As well as the smaller pop group Small Kine.
Originally from Vermont, SSgt Bentley considers herself a native New Englander. However, since her sophomore year of high school, she attended a Midwest boarding school and remained in the region to complete her Bachelor's degree at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois. Graduating with Highest Honors as a member of Phi Alpha Eta, SSgt Bentley received her BA in Theatre with a Music minor. One of the highlights of attending Principia College was having the opportunity to meet and perform for Broadway composer and lyricist Jill Santoriello. Mrs.Santoriello wrote the book, lyrics, and score for the Broadway production "A Tale of Two Cities" the musical, which had its collegiate premier at Principia College in 2011. SSgt Bentley was thrilled to have been cast as the lead role Lucie Manette and fell in love with musical theatre. Some of her favorite roles include: Patricia Bingham (Good News), A maiden (Pirates of Penzance), Lucie Manette (Tale of Two Cities), Kate McGowen (Titanic the Musical), Petalwink (Petalwink the Musical).
During her senior year of college, Bentley was cast as the lead role in the workshop production of Petalwink the Musical. Petalwink is a new children's musical that is currently being written. Being a part of this unique experience provided insight into the collaboration process of a production team and the ability to help develop a new musical. Airman Bentley also worked closely with Broadway composer and lyricist Deborah Hurowitz and was deemed "a star on the rise".
In her free time SSgt Bentley enjoys running, hiking, triathlons, being in nature, arts and crafts, game nights, and last but not least, spending time with her wonderful husband and two dogs.
EDUCATION
2014 Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with Music minor, Principia College
2019 Airman Leadership School
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal, with a silver star
ASSIGNMENTS
FEB 2015 - APRIL 2015, Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
MAY 2015 - OCT 2018, Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
NOV 2018 - Present, Band of the Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class 24 February 2015
Senior Airman 24 June 2017
Staff Sergeant 1 May 2019