Staff Sgt. Michael Dee serves as a saxophonist with the Band of Mid-America.
Originally from Fairview Heights, Illinois, Sergeant Dee attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville where he earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Music Education and Jazz Performance. He then attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln where he completed a Master’s Degree in Classical Saxophone. Airman Dee has studied with Tyler Kuebler, Jason Swagler, James Hinson, Paul Haar, and Eric Richards.
Prior to joining the Air Force, Staff Sgt. Dee toured extensively across the United States and abroad with the funk and soul band Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal utilizing guitar pedals to add harmonies and effects to the tenor saxophone.
EDUCATION
2011 - Bachelor of Music, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL
2014 - Master of Music, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
National Defense Service Medal
BMT Honor Graduate
ASSIGNMENTS
March - May, 2018, Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, TX.
May 2018 - Present, Saxophone, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, IL
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class, 4 May 2018
Senior Airman, 13 January 2020
Staff Sergeant, 1 January 2022