Staff Sergeant Michael Dee serves as a saxophonist and NCOIC of Social Media with the USAF Band of Mid-America stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He performs with the Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band and Ceremonial Band.
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. 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. He began his career with the Air Force in 2018 and has been with the Band of Mid-America ever since.
Sgt. Dee deployed with Starlifter in April 2023 to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar to serve as the AFCENT Band. He performed for over 100,000 people across the middle east, including U.S. embassy ceremonies, troop morale concerts and public performances. In all, Sgt. Dee contributed to the success of thirty-two live missions in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and SPARTAN SHIELD, aiding in the promotion of United States culture to international audiences and strengthening relationships between the U.S. and its allies.
EDUCATION
2011 - Bachelor of Music, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL
2014 - Master of Music, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
2022 - CMSAF Bud Andrews Airman Leadership School, Scott AFB, IL
ASSIGNMENTS
1. March - May, 2018, Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, TX.
2. May 2018 - Present, Saxophone, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, IL (April 2023-July 2023, Saxophone, USAF Central Band, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar)
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border
AF Good Conduct Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2019 Senior Airman Below-the-Zone
2021 Jr. Enlisted of the 2nd Quarter, USAF Band of Mid-America
2021 Jr. Enlisted Airman of the year, USAF Band of Mid-America
2021 Jr. Enlisted Airman of the year, HQ Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
2022 NCO of the 2nd Quarter, USAF Band of Mid-America
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class, 4 May 2018
Senior Airman, 13 January 2020
Staff Sergeant, 1 January 2022
(Current as of June 2024)