SrA Christopher Arellano is a guitarist at the Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan. SrA Arellano serves as the music director for the group Final Approach and is also the band’s Vehicle Control Officer.
After joining the Air Force in November 2020, SrA Arellano deployed with the Air Force Central Band in support of operations ENDURING SENTINAL and INHERANT RESOLVE helping to build partnerships with host nations and advance soft power capabilities in the region. Other highlights of his career thus far have included winning an Air Force level award in 2021 for New Musician of the Year and performing for 65K NFL fans at the Cincinnati Bengal’s Salute to Service game in 2023. Prior to his current assignment Airman Arellano was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base where he served as a vocalist and guitarist for the Band of Flight at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base alongside holding roles as Operations Representative, GPC holder and assistant ODTA.
EDUCATION
2011 BM Music Education Texas A&M University-Kingsville
ASSIGNMENTS
1. November 2020 – January 2024, Regional Band Guitarist, United States Air Force Band of Flight, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (October 2021 – January 2022, Guitarist, AFCENT Band, Al Udied,AB, Qatar)
2. January 2024 – Present, Regional Band Guitarist, Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
AF Good Conduct Medal
Air and Space Recognition Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle)
Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class 07 January 2021
Senior Airman 17 March 2023
(CURRENT AS OF March 2024)