Michael J. Willen

Michael J. Willen is Commander of the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He is responsible for organizing, training, equipping and deploying 60 Airmen Musicians in 14 different configurations throughout a 10-state region of more than 600,000 square miles. The band performs 400 missions annually that support U.S. Air Force and Air Mobility Command outreach and engagement priorities to increase public understanding of the importance of airpower, the dedication and sacrifice of Airmen, and to build relationships that enhance the reputation of the Air Force as a respected, professional organization charged with an integral role in maintaining U.S. national security. A native of Marion, Ind., Lt Col Willen was raised in Yuma, Ariz. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Arizona in 1991. During that same year, he was selected by audition for the graduate program in Wind Conducting at Northwestern University. After completing his Master of Music degree at Northwestern in 1992, Lt Col Willen became the Director of Band Organizations at Canyon del Oro High School in Tucson, Ariz. In 1999, he earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. Prior to joining Air Force, Lt Col Willen served as the Director of Bands at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and was principal conductor of the NewEar Contemporary Music Ensemble. He earned his commission from Officer Training School in March 2001. Prior to his current position, Lt Col Willen was the Chief, Air Force Bands Division, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, Pentagon, D.C.