SSgt Chris Hanson is percussionist at United States Air Force Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan. In addition to his musical responsibilities, SSgt Hanson serves in the Commander’s Support Staff.SSgt Chris Hanson is percussionist at United States Air Force Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan. In addition to his musical responsibilities, SSgt Hanson serves in the Commander’s Support Staff.
Originally from Polson, Montana, Sergeant Hanson joined the Air Force on June 3, 2015 and was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio from August 2015-October2022. During his time there he performed with the full band, Band of Flight, the rock band, Flight 1, and the brass quintet, Spirit of Freedom. During various points of his tenure he was musical director of all three groups as well as Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge of the brass quintet for 4 years.
In 2017 SSgt Hanson deployed as a member of the Air Force Central Command (AFCENT) Band in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, and the Resolute Support Mission.
EDUCATION
2011 BM Percussion University of Montana, Missoula MT
2014 MM Percussion Performance University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
2019 Airman Leadership School, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
2021 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education I
ASSIGNMENTS
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August 2015 – October 2022, Percussionist, USAF Band of Flight, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
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October 2022 – Present, Percussionist, USAF Band of the Pacific, Yokota AB, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster
Meritorious Unit Award
Humanitarian Service Medal
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2019 Distinguished Graduate, Airman Leadership School
2018 Airman of the Year, AF Band of Flight
2017 Airman of the Year, AF Band of Flight
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class June 3, 2015
Senior Airman October 3, 2017
Staff Sergeant December 1, 2019
(Current as of October 2022)