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Senior Master Sergeant Dennis E Clawson

Senior Master Sergeant Dennis E Clawson is the principal trumpet and Superintendant of the Air National Guard Band of the Mid-Atlantic. Originally from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, his Air Force career began in 1975.

Senior Master Sergeant Clawson graduated from Conemaugh High School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from West Chester University, West Chester Pennsylvania (1972), and a Master of Music Degree from West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania (1981). Senior Master Sergeant Clawson also holds a Baccalaureate Degree F&A Art Music Instrumental Music from the Community College of the Air Force (1977).

Senior Master Sergeant Clawson currently resides in Saxton, Pennsylvania. In his civilian career, he serves as Director of Bands at Tussey Mountain High School, Saxton, Pennsylvania. He also serves as the Fine Arts and Languages Department Chairperson. Senior Master Sergeant Clawson has performed with the Altoona Symphony Orchestra, Potomac Symphony Orchestra, and the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra.

Senior Master Sergeant Clawson began his military career in the United States Army Reserve in 1972 and was assigned to the 307th Army Band, Hatboro Horsham, Pennsylvania. In 1975 he joined the Air National Guard, and became a member of the 553rd Air Force Band, which later became the Air National Guard Band of the Mid-Atlantic. He is a graduate of the Noncommissioned Officer Academy, the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, and the First Sergeant Academy. Senior Master Sergeant Clawson had served several terms as the President of the Air National Guard Bands First Sergeant Council.

Senior Master Sergeant Clawson's awards and decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, and the National Defense Service Medal with two bronze stars.