Lieutenant Colonel R. Michael Mench Lieutenant Colonel R. Michael Mench assumed command of the United States Air Force Band of Europe on 1 August, 2012. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Colonel Mench began his Air Force career in 1997. As a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in 1989 he was awarded a Bachelor of Music Education, and awards for outstanding achievement in music and academics. He attended Florida State University as a graduate assistant to the Director of Bands, Dr. James Croft. In 1996, Colonel Mench was awarded a Master of Music Education degree with an emphasis in wind conducting. After completing Officer Training School, he was assigned as Executive Officer of The United States Air Force Band of the West, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. He held that position for seven months and was then appointed to the position of Deputy Commander. In 2000, Colonel Mench joined the United States Air Force Band, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., where during his tenure, he served as the Officer-in-Charge of the Ceremonial Brass, the Concert Band, the Airmen of Note, Public Affairs and Technical Support. Throughout his four-year tour, he performed for White House and Pentagon arrivals for Presidents George W. Bush and William J. Clinton, foreign heads of state and many other distinguished visitors. Additionally in 2003, he served as the Officer-in-Charge of Production for the Air Force Chief of Staff's first ever United States Air Force Centennial of Flight Tattoo, honoring 100 years of powered flight. Colonel Mench was the Commander and Conductor of the United States Air Force Band of Flight, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio from July, 2008 through July, 2012. He was the Commander and Conductor of the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis Air Force Base, California, from June, 2004 through July, 2008. Prior to his Air Force career, Colonel Mench was a successful public school band director in Missouri, Florida and Pennsylvania and an adjudicator, clinician and freelance trumpet player. Colonel Mench's performance credits include appearances with the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, The Music Man with John Davidson, the Ringling Brothers Circus and the Fox Theater Orchestra of St. Louis. Colonel Mench's military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.