Technical Sergeant Andrew Detra began his Air Force career as a Bandsman in 2011. He has previously held positions of increasing responsibility as Bassist, Music Director, NCOIC of a Musical Performance Team and Assistant Director of Operations, planning and executing performances across the world engaging audiences in exciting performances, strengthening bonds to create a positive, lasting impression of the United States for Allies and Partners. Prior to his current position, he served at Head Quarters Pacific Air Force as a Staffer equivalent, as NCOIC of the Distinguished Visitor Flight Line, Enlisted Exec to the Australian Deputy Commander of PACAF, and NCOIC of Executive Support Staff for the Chief of Staff, Pacific Air Forces.
EDUCATION
2011 Bachelor of Science, Music with a Minor in Kinesiology, University Wisconsin, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
2011 Basic Training, Lackland AFB, Tex. 2015 Field Craft Hostile, Joint Base McGuire-Dix, New Jersey
2016 Associates in Music, Community College of the Air Force
2017 Airmen Leadership School, in residence, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
2024 Non-commission Officer Academy, in residence, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
ASSIGNMENTS OR CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1.Dec 2011 – Jan 2014, Regional Band Apprentice, Bass, Band of the Midwest, Scott AFB, Illinois
2.Jan 2014 – Oct 2015, Journeyman Bassist, U.S. Air Forces Band of the Pacific - Hawaii, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
3.Oct 2015 – Feb 2016, Journeyman Bassist, U.S. Air Forces Central Band, Al Udeid AFB, Qatar.
4.Feb 2016 – Jan 2023, NCOIC Music Group, U.S. Air Forces Band of the Pacific - Hawaii, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
5.Jan 2023 – Oct 2024, Protocol NCO, Head Quarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
6.Nov 2024 - April 2025, Enlisted Exec, Australian Duty Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
7.May 2025 - Oct 2025, NCOIC Executive Support Staff, Chief of Staff, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
8.Nov 2025 - Present, Section Chief Administrative Support, Band of the West, Lackland AFB, Texas
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airmen 1st Class, 27 Sep. 2011
Senior Airmen, Jan 27. 2014
Staff Sergeant, 01 Sep. 2017
Technical Sergeant, 01 Dec. 2022
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Air and Space Achievement Medal 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Meritorious Unit Award
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
AF Good Conduct Medal 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
National Defense Service Medal Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon
Long Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
Air and Space Longevity Service Award 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon 1 Service Star
Air and Space Training Ribbon
2021 Colonel Finley Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award
(CURRENT AS OF November 2025)