Kenneth C. Collins II
Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. NAVY

The Reno, Nevada native began his musical studies on drums at the age of 12 and graduated from Wooster High School in Reno in 1983. He received a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Nevada (Reno) in 1989.

LTJG Collins enlisted in the Navy in 1989, and upon completion of the Basic Course at the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia, he was assigned to Navy bands in Guam and Newport, Rhode Island.

He was commissioned an Ensign in November of 1998 and reported to The United States Navy Band in January 1999. He reported for duty with the United States Naval Academy Band, Washington, D.C., in May of 2000.

His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (two awards), National Defense Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (four awards).

HISTORY