Master Sergeant (MSgt) Craig J. Larimer is a musician for the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band and was born in Hampton, Viginia and grew up in Warner Robins, Georgia. In his Air Force career, he has served in numerous roles as a pianist, vocalist, guitarist, saxophonist and is currently serving as the unit’s First Sergeant.
A seasoned songwriter, TSgt Larimer toured the United States from 2004 to 2012 performing his original work at music festivals, clubs and listening venues. He has performed with numerous acts spanning genres from popular music to jazz and has 5 albums on which he is accredited as artist and producer.
MSgt Larimer has been a key spokesman and frontman for numerous media appearances, interviews and concerts including overseas on two deployments serving under U.S. Air Forces Central Command. Outside of his musical roles he has been a tour manager, section chief of publicity and supported many other administrative roles in his unit.
EDUCATION
2007 Bachelor of Political Science, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
2017 Airman Leadership School, Peterson AFB, CO
2021 Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Keesler AFB, MS
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Sep 2012 - Nov 2012, Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Base, TX
2. Nov 2012 - May 2021, Regional Band Journeyman, USAF Academy Band, Colorado Springs, CO
3. May 2021 - present, Regional Band Craftsman, Air Combat Command Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal
Air and Space Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
Air Force Longevity Service
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
Air Force Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2013 USAF Academy Band Airman of the Year
2015 Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award
2017 Distinguished Graduate, Airman Leadership School
2019 USAF Academy Band Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year
2023 Air Combat Command Public Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman 1st Class 04 Sep 2012
Senior Airman 04 Jan 2015
Staff Sergeant 01 Apr 2017
Technical Sergeant 01 Feb 2021
Master Sergeant 01 Jun 2024
(current as of March 2025)