Senior Master Sergeant Christopher Stahl, from Coram, NY, currently serves as Superintendent and bassoonist in the USAF Band of Mid-America. Previously he served as bassoonist at the USAF Heritage of America Band, performing with the Concert Band and Heritage Winds and as Section Chief of Resources, overseeing the band’s supply, travel, and library teams.
During his career in the Air Force, SMSgt Stahl has performed throughout the United States, as well as Poland, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East, providing musical support for the Air Force's mission both at home and abroad. SMSgt Stahl has also been a featured performer on seven compact discs. He was producer for three recordings, which were awarded best album or single work in the Air Force for their respective release calendar year. In 2018, he served as the Superintendent of Operations for the Air Force Central Command Band supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Resolute Support.
Sergeant Stahl holds degrees from George Mason University and the University of Texas. He has had the honor of performing at the International Double Reed Society Convention, as well as with the National Symphony Orchestra, the Moscow State Radio Symphony, the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, and the Waco Symphony Orchestra. SMSgt Stahl has given performances with ensembles at prestigious venues across the United States, to include Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and the Barns at Wolf Trap in Northern Virginia. Additionally, he was honored as one of the winners of the 2001 George Mason University Concerto Competition.
EDUCATION
2001 Bachelor of Music with Concentration in Education, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
2002 Airman Leadership School, by distance learning
2003 Master of Music, University of Texas, Austin, TX
2012 Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Tyndall AFB, FL
2016 Master Resilience Trainer Course, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ
2020 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, by distance learning
ASSIGNMENTS
1. August 1998 - July 2001, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, Harrisburg International Airport, PA
2. August 2001 - May 2003, Texas Air National Guard, Fort Worth Naval Air Station, TX
3. June 2003 - May 2013, USAF Band of Liberty, Hanscom AFB, MA
4. May 2013 - Jan 2021, USAF Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA
5. Jan 2021 - present, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, IL
AWARDS
2019 Air Combat Command Public Affairs Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter, Q2
2017 Air Combat Command Public Affairs Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
2015 Air Combat Command Public Affairs Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
2013 Distinguished Graduate, Noncommissioned Officer Academy
DECORATIONS
1. Meritorious Service Medal
2. Air Force Commendation Medal, Four Oak Leaf Clusters
3. Air Force Achievement Medal, One Oak Leaf Cluster
4. Joint Meritorious Unit Award
5. AF Outstanding Unit Award
6. AF Organizational Excellence Award, Two Oak Leaf Clusters
7. AF Good Conduct Medal, Four Oak Leaf Clusters
8. Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal
9. National Defense Service Medal
10. Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, One Oak Leaf Cluster
11. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
12. Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon
13. AF Longevity Service, Three Oak Leaf Clusters
14. Armed Forces Reserve Medal
15. USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
16. Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol)
17. AF Training Ribbon
18. Thomas J. Stewart Medal
19. Pennsylvania Governors Unit Citation
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
SMSgt 1 November 2020