Senior Airman (SrA) Michael Gatch hails from Shreveport Louisiana and is an Audio Engineer for the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band. Prior to joining the Air Force in 2021, SrA Gatch worked professionally for 8 years as a production manager, audio engineer, lighting designer and video technician.
SrA Gatch worked with some of the greatest touring acts in the United States of America to include The Four Tops, Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels, The Temptations, and Sly and the Family Stone.
Exemplifying a mission ready warfighter, SrA Gatch acted in roles of audio engineer, guitarist, and part time Music Director for Full Spectrum and the deployed pop ensemble, The AFCENT Band. In addition to his audio engineer duties, during his deployment SrA Gatch played guitar and delivered Air Force messaging in 21 of 39 missions across 6 counties bolstering international ties and supporting operation Inherent Resolve. One of his favorite Air Force moments was playing mandolin live on Fox and Friends in New York City.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. US Air Force Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia (December 2021-Present)
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal
AF Good Conduct Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol)
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2024 AFCENT Public Affairs Airmen of the 2nd Quarter
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class, 10 December 2021
Senior Airman, 26 March 2024
(Current as of February 2025)