Technical Sergeant Ryan M. Manzi is a guitarist at the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB. Technical Sergeant Manzi is the musical director of the ‘Mobility’ popular music ensemble as well as the NCOIC of the supply shop for the Band of the Golden West
TSgt Manzi started his military career in 1998 with the United States Marine Corps, at the Marine Corps Logistic Base, Albany, GA Band. From 1998-2002, TSgt Manzi performed with the Marine Corps as principal guitarist and as auxiliary percussionist. During his time in the Marines, TSgt Manzi performed across the United States as well as overseas for several domestic and foreign dignitaries, including the Queen of England.
In late 2002, TSgt Manzi enlisted in the United States Air Force, and was stationed at Travis AFB with the Band of the Golden West, where he served as the musical director of ‘Mobility’, Band Historian and as a member of the command support staff. In 2005 TSgt Manzi was assigned to the United States Air Force Band in Europe (USAFE) at Sembach Air Base, Germany. During his time in Gemany, TSgt Manzi served as the musical director of popular musical group ‘Direct Hit’ and as a supply clerk. The next assignment for TSgt Manzi was in Omaha, NE at Offutt Air Force Base with the Heartland of America Band. During his time at Offutt, Manzi served as supply clerk and as the musical director of ‘Nightwing’ and was a featured soloist on the recording “Sieze the Day”. After spending two years in Nebraska, TSgt Manzi received orders for assignment at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to serve with the Pacific Air Force Band, where he served for two years as the musical director of popular music ensemble, ‘Arctic Express’ as well as the public affairs liaison for the group. From 2012-2013, TSgt Manzi was assigned to the Air Force Academy Band at Peterson AFB, CO.
In 2013, TSgt Manzi left the active-duty Air Force to complete his education as well as start a family. While studying, Manzi continued to serve in the military by joining the Army National Guard’s 101st Army Band in Aurora, CO. During his time in the Army Guard, Manzi completed his Bachelor’s degree in History and Music. In 2017, Manzi and his family moved to his home state of California, and joined the USAF National Guard Band of the West Coast. During his time with the Band of the West Coast, Manzi was deployed to the Middle East in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. TSgt Manzi was also tasked by the National Guard to assist in civil unrest missions and during the COVID-19 Pandemic, where Manzi served jointly with the Army to provide vaccines for residents of California. In 2021, TSgt Manzi rejoined active duty with the Band of the Golden West at Travis AFB, CA, where he currently serves.
EDUCATION
2000 USMC Corporal’s Leadership Course, MCLB Albany, GA
2003 Airman Leadership School, Travis AFB, CA
2014 Bachelor of Arts Degree, Excelsior College
2018 Master’s of Music Degree (Jazz Studies), San Jose State University
ASSIGNMENTS
1998 USMC Basic Training, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA
1999 - 2000, Guitarist, Armed Forces School of Music, Little Creek, VA
2000 - 2002, Guitarist/Auxiliary Percussionist, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, GA Band, Albany, GA
2002 - 2005, Guitarist, USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis Air Force Base, CA
2005 - 2008, Guitarist, United States in Europe Band, Sembach AB, Germany
2008 - 2010, Guitarist, USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt AFB, NE
2010 – 2012, Guitarist, Pacific Air Force Band, Joint Base Elemndorf-Richardson, AK
2012 – 2013, Guitarist, USAF Academy Band, Peterson AFB, CO
2014 – 2017, Guitarist, Colorado National Guard 101st Army Band, Aurora, CO
2017 – 2021, Guitarist, USAF National Guard Band of the West Coast, Channel Islands, CA
2021 - Present, Guitarist, USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis Air Force Base, CA
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
AF Accommodation Medal
AF Achievement Medal, 4 oak leaf clusters
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Private First Class (USMC) September, 1998
Lance Corporal (USMC) June, 1999
Corporal (USMC) June 2000
Sergeant (USMC) September 2002
Senior Airman (USAF) November 2002
Staff Sergeant (USAF), October 2008
Specialist (USA) July 2014
Senior Airman (ARNG) July 2017
Staff Sergeant (ARNG) August 2018
Technical Sergeant (ARNG) August 2020
Technical Sergeant (USAF) November 2021