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Congratulations Chief McConnell

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brooke Emery
Washginton, D.C. --  The U.S. Air Force Band is proud to congratulate our newest Chief Master Sergeant who was promoted to the Air Force's highest enlisted rank on March 1, 2013. It is none other than Chief Master Sgt. Robert McConnell. This is an achievement worth noting since the rank of Chief is attained only by the top 1% of the Air Force's enlisted personnel. Chief McConnell serves as principal cornet of the Concert Band and has been appointed as Chief of two other ensembles here in the Band - the Air Force Strings and Max Impact. Prior to his promotion, he served as Recording Production manager, Concert Band and Singing Sergeants tour manager and noncommissioned officer in charge of the Concert Band.

Chief McConnell's Air Force career began in 1993 with the Band of the Golden West at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. In 1995, he auditioned for and was awarded a position in The United States Air Force Band, Washington, D.C. When asked about his career highlights, Chief McConnell recalls several standout moments, including the Band's first tour after Sept. 11, 2001. "I remember people in the Band wondering if it was a good idea to go on tour given the fact that we were traveling on big buses with the Air Force logo all over them and wondering whether or not we'd be targets. Our commander at the time said this is precisely the time we need to be on the road. He said this is when we are needed most and that it was our job to not only lift the American people's spirits with patriotic music, but to reassure them that the United States Air Force, along with our sister services, are hard at work 24/7 ensuring those that did this will be brought to justice. I remember the patriotic spirit of our audiences and feeling proud to be wearing the Air Force uniform and being a part of the healing process for our nation." Additionally, he names participation in five presidential inaugural parades, one State Funeral for former President Gerald Ford, military tattoos in Norway and Sweden and performances for the dedications of both the Air Force Memorial and the Pentagon Sept. 11 Memorial as other significant moments in his Air Force career.

Chief McConnell simply finds joy in his job as an Airman musician no matter what the mission entails. "Whether performing taps at Arlington National Cemetery for one of our fallen heroes or performing in one of our nation's beautiful concert halls for standing room only crowds, I'm honored and privileged to have the opportunity to serve my country as a musician in The U.S. Air Force Band ... a truly satisfying profession!"