Technical Sergeant Mark Wheeler is a percussionist in the USAF Heritage of America Band. He has also performed with the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, the Indian Hill Symphony Orchestra, the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, the New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra, and the San Antonio Symphony. As a student, he attended the Music Academy of the West and Verbier summer music festivals. Prior to enlisting in the Air Force, he served as Adjunct Professor of Percussion at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. Sergeant Wheeler's performances span North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
EDUCATION
B.M. Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY
M.M. Boston University College of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
Airman Leadership School, Kapaun Air Station, Germany
ASSIGNMENTS:
May 2012--July 2012: Student, Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Bese, Texas
July 2012--July 2014: Percussionist, US Air Force Band of the West, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
July 2014--present: Percussionist, US Air Forces in Europe Band, Ramstein Air Base, Germany
May 2023—present: Percussionist, USAF Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
1. Air Force Achievement Medal
2. Air and Space Achievement Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
3. Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award
4. AF Good Conduct Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
5. National Defense Service Medal
6. Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
7. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
8. Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
9. Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon Long with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
10. Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
11. Air and Space Longevity Service Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
12. USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
13. Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Airman First Class - 27 July 2012
Senior Airman - 27 September 2014
Staff Sergeant - 1 March 2017 Technical Sergeant - 1 December 2021