Technical Sergeant Chris Hanson is a percussionist with the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan. In addition to his musical responsibilities, he serves in the Commander’s Support Staff.
Originally from Polson, Montana, Sergeant Hanson entered the Air Force on June 3, 2015, and was stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, from August 2015 to October 2022. During that assignment, he performed with the full band, Band of Flight; the rock band, Flight 1; and the brass quintet, Spirit of Freedom. At various points, he served as Musical Director for all three groups and as NCOIC of the brass quintet for four years.
In 2017, Sergeant Hanson deployed with the Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) Band in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, and the Resolute Support Mission.
EDUCATION
-
2011 Bachelor of Music, Percussion Performance, University of Montana, Missoula, Mont.
-
2014 Master of Music, Percussion Performance, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M.
-
2019 Airman Leadership School, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
-
2021 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education I
ASSIGNMENTS
-
Aug 2015 – Oct 2022, Percussionist, USAF Band of Flight, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
-
Oct 2022 – Present, Percussionist, USAF Band of the Pacific, Yokota AB, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
-
2017 Airman of the Year, AF Band of Flight
-
2018 Airman of the Year, AF Band of Flight
-
2019 Distinguished Graduate, Airman Leadership School
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
-
Airman First Class – 3 Jun 2015
-
Senior Airman – 3 Oct 2017
-
Staff Sergeant – 1 Dec 2019
(Current as of October 2022)