2nd Lieutenant (2nd Lt.) Corey Simmel, a native of Waxahachie, Texas, is the Flight Commander of the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia and the USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Lieutenant Simmel assists the unit commander in the organizing, training and equipping of these units to communicate Department of the Air Force’s strategic messages with Americans at home and strengthen international partnerships when deployed abroad.
Lieutenant Simmel entered the Air Force in 2020 as an enlisted member and hornist with the USAF Band of the West in San Antonio, Texas. After qualifying as a band officer, he received his commission through the Air Force Officer Training School, graduating in November 2024.
EDUCATION
2018: Bachelor of Music, Baylor University
2020: Basic Military Training, JBSA-Lackland, Tx.
2024: Officer Training School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2024: Master of Music, University of Texas – El Paso
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Regional Band – Horn, US Air Force Band of the West, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas (March 2020 - September 2024)
2. Flight Commander, US Air Force Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustice, Virginia (November 2024 - Present)
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award
AF Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Medal
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2021 JBSA Lackland First Sergeant Council Diamond Sharp Award
2022 Airman of the 3rd Quarter, USAF Band of the West
2023 Airman of the 2nd Quarter, USAF Band of the West
2024 Airman of the 2nd Quarter, USAF Band of the West
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class - 14 January 2020
Senior Airman - 14 May 2022
Staff Sergeant - 7 September 2024
2nd Lieutenant - 8 November 2024
(Current as of January 2025)