TSgt Benjamin Johnson currently serves as the Assistant Director of Operations for The US Air Force Band of the West.
Joining the Air Force in 2011, TSgt Johnson was assigned to The USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA, and served as Percussionist and Operations Representative. While with The USAF Band of the Pacific, he served as Drummer and Assistant Director of Operations where he was part of the first ever Air Force Band to perform in Beijing, China. During his time in USAFE, TSgt Johnson led multiple administrative and musical teams, and connected with millions of people across Europe and Africa. At present, TSgt Johnson’s leadership has been instrumental in multiple live and televised Holiday productions, earning the Band of the West a locally recognized Emmy nomination, and currently manages the assignment of 7 musical ensembles for the 61-Airman to perform 250+ annual events.
Originally from Laporte, IN, TSgt Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts from Ball State University. In addition to his academic pursuits, TSgt Johnson has studied with renowned artists Ulysses Owens Jr, Erwin Mueller, and Craig Hetrick. He and his wife, Dan, are avid travelers, eaters of good food, and are the proud parents of two beautiful dogs – Indy and Bean.
EDUCATION:
2014- Bachelor of General Studies, Ball State University
2017- Honor Graduate, Airman Leadership School
2017- Associate's degree, Music, Community College of the Air Force
ASSIGNMENTS:
January 2012- July 2014, Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield, CA
July- March 2019, Yokota Air Base, Tokyo, Japan
March 2019- March 2023, Ramstein Air Base, German
March 2023- Present, Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland, TX
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Airman First Class January 13, 2012
Senior Airman March 15, 2014
Staff Sergeant January 1, 2017
Technical Sergeant November 1, 2021
current as of 14 May 26