Tsgt Michael Mannella is a trombonist and the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of The Commanders Jazz Ensemble, guiding multiple teams to ensure performances and messaging are in line with the Commander's vision and bring honor upon the Air Force.
TSgt Mannella enlisted in the United States Air Force in September of 2005. Over the last 21 years, Michael’s career has taken him to 5 different duty stations, sharing his versatile talents as a consummate soloist and leader. During his AF career, he has performed with/for Crystal Gayle, Darlene Love, Jane Monheit, John Pizzarelli, Anne Hampton Callaway, President Barack Obama, and President Joseph Biden.
EDUCATION
2000 Bachelors of Music, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
2002 Masters of Music, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
2005 Graduated Basic Military Training
2011 Graduated ALS, Kapaun Air Station, Germany
2018 Graduated NCO Academy, Maxwell Air Base, Alabama
2020 Awarded Master Resiliency Certification
ASSIGNMENTS
1. September 2005 – June 2011, Regional Band Trombone, The Band of Liberty, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts
2. June 2011 – July 2013, Regional Band Trombone, The USAFE Band, Ramstein AFB, Germany
3. July 2013 – October 2019, Regional Band Trombone, The Heritage of America Band, Joint-Base Langley Eustis, Virginia
4. October 2019 – October 2022, Section Chief Readiness, The Band of the Pacific, Yokota AFB, Japan
5. October 2022 – Present, Section Chief Administrative Support, The Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, California
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award with two oak leaf clusters
AF Good Conduct Medal with five oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal