Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Nathan Owen serves as a French Horn player for the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band. A native of Houston, Texas, he received his Bachelor’s of Music in Applied Music from the University of Houston and studied French Horn performance with Roger Kaza and Gavin Reed. During his time in Texas, he enjoyed teaching younger players around Houston at the high school and junior high level, helping them achieve recognition in State competitions. He received his Master’s in Performing Arts from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University in downtown Chicago, Illinois where he studied with Dale Clevenger and other members of the Chicago Symphony.
Prior to joining the Air Force, SSgt Owen enlisted as a member of the US Army and is a veteran of the 323rd Army Band at historic Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. While stationed there, he performed with multiple ensembles including the Mission Brass Quintet, Biohazard Brass Band, and Intrepid Winds which won the Army’s musical performing team of the year award.
SSgt Owen enlisted in 2017 with the USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, and has performed for military and civilians worldwide. While stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, he performed with the Winds Aloft woodwind quintet. As part of their mission, the group toured throughout Europe and Africa performing for partner nation communities, radio shows, and dignitaries. His most memorable performances include performing for the President of Ukraine as part of a tri-lateral military performance in Kiev, the US Ambassadors to Finland and Tanzania, Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as supporting the ongoing bi-lateral military efforts throughout Poland.
While not on duty, he enjoys performing in community musical groups including the San Antonio, South Dakota, and Virginia Symphonies and spending time with his wife, Melinda, and their two dogs.
EDUCATION
2011 Bachelor of Music in Applied Music, University of Houston
2013 Master of Performing Arts, Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University
2015 Army Warrior Leader Course
2019 Airman Leadership School
ASSIGNMENTS
1. 323D Army Band “Fort Sam’s Own”, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas (November 2013-July 2017)
2. US Air Force Heartland of America Band, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska (July 2017-February 2021)
3. US Air Forces in Europe Band, Ramstein Air Base, Germany (March 2021-February 2024)
4. US Air Force Heritage of Amera Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia (April 2024-present)
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster
Meritorious Unit Award
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award
AF Good Conduct Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster
Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award One Oak Leaf Cluster
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with One Service Star
Air and Space Training Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2019 Distinguished Graduate, James A. McCoy Airman Leadership School Class 19-E
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Specialist, 25 June 2013
Senior Airman, 13 July 2017
Staff Sergeant, 1 May 2019
(Current as of February 2025)