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Master Sergeant Joshua A. Fickes

Master Sergeant Joshua A.Fickes is the bass trombonist and Director of Operations for the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast. Originally from Hollidaysburg, PA, his Air Force career began in 1997.

Sergeant Fickes graduated from Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School in Hollidaysburg, PA. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, where he was lead trombonist with the Temple Jazz Band, trombone section leader in the Diamond Band, and co-principal trombonist in the Wind Symphony.He has performed as a trombonist in the Band of the Northeast with the Concert Band, Ceremonial Band, Guardsmen Big Band, High Altitude, Brass in Blue and the Spectre Bones.

Sergeant Fickes currently resides in Bowie, MD and is a Regional Director for Stateside Military Operations at University of Maryland University College. He has performed with The Big House Band, Jon Faddis, Jimmy Heath, Clark Terry, Dick Oates, Terrell Stafford and has been a featured guest artist for numerous high school concerts in the Northeast region.

Sergeant Fickes enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1997 at the age of 17, joining the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast. He has earned his Associates of Applied Science in Music and Professional Management Certification from the Community College of the Air Force and a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management from University of Maryland University College.

Sergeant Fickes' awards and decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four oak leaf clusters; the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters; the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the Air Force Longevity Service Award with two oak leaf clusters; the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze hourglass and 'M' device, and the Pennsylvania Governor's Unit Citation.