SSgt Robert Barnes is a Regional Bandsman Pianist at the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan. SSgt Barnes is currently Unit Fitness Program Monitor, Unit Training Monitor and Assistant Unit Deployment Monitor. His responsibilities include performing with both Jazz and Rock Bands in execution of missions supporting DoD, DoS, UNINDOPACOM, and PACAF priorities.
SSgt Barnes entered the Air Force in February of 2006, completing basic military training in March and reporting for duty at Robins AFB. In 2008 SSgt Barnes won the audition for The USAF Premiere Band at Bolling AFB Washington DC and served there until 2012. Following the Premiere Band assignment SSgt Barnes also served at the United States Air Forces in Europe Band for five years. Prior to his current position SSgt Barnes was a pianist with the USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis Air Force Base, California.
Prior to joining the Air Force SSgt Barnes served as Artist in Residence at Heritage USA Resort in Fort Mill, S.C. for five years, accompanist for the Inspirational Television Network for three years, and Music Director for multiple churches in and around the city of Charlotte, N.C. SSgt Barnes also served as pianist for Nordstrom Department stores. SSgt Barnes has performed at the White House for private events for two consecutive holiday seasons as a civilian.
During his Air Force career, SSgt Barnes has performed with The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Sandi Patti, Take Six, Amy Grant, Wynonna Judd, Gene Simmons, and Aaron Neville to name just a few. He has deployed twice in support of operations IRAQI FREEDOM and INHERENT RESOLVE, entertaining troops at numerous forward operating bases throughout Iraq and Afghanistan and supporting embassy and community relations performances in Bahrain, Tajikistan, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan. SSgt Barnes has performed in over 38 countries throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia during his time in the Air Force.
EDUCATION
1999 Bachelors of Art in Music/Minor in Business Administration, Winthrop Conservatory of Music, Rock Hill, S.C.
2013 USAF Airman Leadership School, Travis AFB, Cali
2013 Associate in Applied Science degree in Music, Community College of the Air Force, Montgomery, Ala.
ASSIGNMENTS
- February 2006 – March 2006, Trainee, 323d Training Squadron, Lackland AFB, Texas
- March 2006 - September 2008, Regional Band Piano, USAF Band of the Reserve, Robins AFB, Ga.
- June 2007 – July 2007, Regional Band Piano, Air Force Central Band, US Central Command, Al Udeid AB, Doha
- September 2008 – December 2011, Premiere Band Piano, The Singing Sergeants & Concert Band Pianist, The United States Air Force Premiere Band, Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C.
- January 2012 – May 2016, USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, Calif
- May 2016 – February 2021 Regional Band Piano, The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band, Ramstein AB, Germany
- July 2017 – October 2017, Regional Band Piano, Air Force Central Band, US Central Command, Al Udeid AB, Doha
- February 2021 – October 2022, Regional Band Piano, USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, Calif
- November 2022 – Current, Regional Band Piano, USAF Band of the Pacific Asia, Yokota AB, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award with one oak leaf cluster
AF Good Conduct Medal with four oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with one service star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with three oak leaf clusters
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class March 1, 2006
Senior Airman March 1, 2008
Technical Sergeant (Premiere Band) Sep 1, 2008
Staff Sergeant April 1, 2012
(Current as of March 2023)