Staff Sergeant Sarah Smelser is originally from Austin, Texas. She received her Masters in Music from the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University in 2018. In June of 2019 SSgt Smelser joined the Air Force and was assigned to the Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, IL. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and crafting.
EDUCATION:
2016: Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance, University of Texas at Austin
2018: Masters of Music in Clarinet Performance, Northwestern University
2025: Airman Leadership School, Lackland AFB, Texas
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. June 2019 - August 2019, Student, Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
2. August 2019 - July 2023, Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, IL
3. July 2023 - Present, Band of the West, JBSA-Lackland, Texas
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Air and Space Achievement Medal, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Good Conduct Medal, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:
2024: USAF Band of the West, Airman of the Year
2024: 502d Air Base Wing, Airman of the Quarter, 4th Quarter
2024: 502d Wind Staff Agency, Airman of the Quarter, 4th Quarter
2024: USAF Band of the West Airman of the Quarter, 4th Quarter
2024: USAF Band of the West Airman of the Quarter, 1st Quarter
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION:
Staff Sergeant - 01 October 2025