Staff Sergeant Michael A. Flaningam is a native of Bristol, Wisconsin. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 7 November 1997 and attended Marine Corps Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. In December 1998 after graduation from the Basic course of instruction at the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, VA. Staff Sergeant Flaningam was assigned as a trumpet instrumentalist with the Marine Corps Band New Orleans. There, he held the billet of Sergeant of the Guard as a Corporal. Staff Sergeant Flaningam was promoted to Sergeant in August of 2000 and was a featured soloist with the jazz big band as well as the New Orleans Potholes Brass Band which was featured in Downbeat Magazine.

In January 2001, Staff Sergeant Flaningam was transferred to the III MEF Band in Okinawa, Japan as a trumpet instrumentalist. Upon completion of this tour, he spent one year away from the Marine Corps learning how much he really loved this job.

In January 2003, SSgt Flaningam re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and was assigned to the 3D Marine Aircraft Wing Band, San Diego, CA. During his time with “The Wing” he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom serving one tour in “The Sandbox.” It was during this tour that he was selected as the Marine Corps Musician of the Year 2004.

After returning from Iraq SSgt Flaningam was assigned to the Unit Leader course of instruction at the Armed Forces School of Music. Upon graduation he was then transferred to the Allied Forces Band, Europe, in Naples, Italy. It was during this tour that he was promoted to his current rank of Staff Sergeant and appointed to the position of Drum Major, Commander Naval Forces Europe Band.

In September 2008, SSgt Flaningam transferred back to the Armed Forces School of Music for the Senior Musician course of instruction. Upon completion of this course, he assumed his current assignment as the Drum Major of the 1st Marine Division Band.

SSgt Flaningam’s awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with three bronze stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two bronze stars, and the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation.