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Benjamin Kadow, trombone

Technical Sergeant Benjamin Kadow plays principal trombone with the Air Combat Command, Heartland of America Band, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

Originally from Perham, Minnesota, Sergeant Kadow earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota. He was a soloist with the Concordia Orchestra, jazz ensemble, and performed with the Imperials Big Band. Sergeant Kadow earned a Master of Music degree in trombone performance from Western Michigan University where he recorded Boogaloo Land with the WMU Jazz Orchestra. Sergeant Kadow joined the United States Air Force in May 2002.

After completing basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, Sergeant Kadow was assigned to the Heritage of America Band, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. He performed with the Concert Band, Ceremonial Band, Blue Aces rock band and Rhythm in Blue jazz ensemble and can be heard on Valentine, Band Dances, and An American Patrol CD recordings. While at Langley, Sergeant Kadow was promoted to Senior Airmen below-the-zone. He was assigned to the Heartland of America Band, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, in May 2006. Sergeant Kadow was a featured soloist on multiple tours with the Heartland of America Concert Band and Brass in Blue. In 2005 and 2009 Sergeant Kadow deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. His musical highlights include performances in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Grand Teton Music Festival, Memorial Day Brass in Blue performances with the Kansas City Symphony, and two National Anthem performances for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Sergeant Kadow has performed for dignitaries to include Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General David Petraeus, and First Lady Michelle Obama.