TSgt Raymond N. Ruffin III serves as a Regional Band Vocalist with the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. As part of a 60-member unit comprising seven diverse musical ensembles, he performs across a ten-state area of responsibility as an ambassador of the Air Force and Air Mobility Command, using the universal language of music to honor our service members, inspire future generations and connect the American public with their Air Force. TSgt Ruffin brings the Air Force story to life through his voice, building trust and embodying the enduring values of service, sacrifice, and patriotism.

Serving eight years as an Air Force Avionics Maintainer, TSgt Ruffin embraced the opportunity to channel his musical gifts for the Department of Defense to strengthen morale and readiness. His musical journey began in Clarksville, Tennessee, where he played clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and tuba throughout high school. At the University of Memphis, he continued to hone his craft as a musician in The Mighty Sound of the South marching band and the Memphis Tigers Basketball Pep Band. As a vocalist, TSgt Ruffin performed in stage musicals throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, sang in military ceremonies and memorials, and led weekly worship services at the Travis Air Force Base Chapel – all reflecting his deep commitment to service through music.

EDUCATION 
May 2019 - Avionic Systems Technology Associates Degree, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama 
May 2021 - Airman Leadership School, Travis Air Force Base, California 
October 2025 - Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education I Course (Distant Learning)

ASSIGNMENTS
1.    July 2017 – October 2017, Trainee, Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
2.    October 2017 – May 2018, Tech School, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas
3.    May 2018 – May 2023, Communication/Navigation Technician, Travis Air Force Base, California
4.    May 2020 – September 2020, Comm/Nav Journeyman, Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates
5.    January 2023 – July 2023, Comm/Nav Craftsman, Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
6.    May 2023 – June 2025, Avionics Maintainer, Travis Air Force Base, California
7.   June 2025 – Present, Regional Band Vocalist, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS 
Air and Space Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters
Air and Space Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster
Meritorious Unit Award 
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters AF
Good Conduct Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster 
National Defense Service Medal 
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with one Service Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal  
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal with one Service Star
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with one Oak Leaf Cluster
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster 
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon 
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle) 
Air and Space Training Ribbon

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS 
2021 John L. Levitow Award, Airman Leadership School, Travis Air Force Base, California 

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION 
Airman First Class – July 25, 2017 
Senior Airman – May 25, 2019 
Staff Sergeant – March 1, 2021 
Technical Sergeant – July 1, 2024

(Current as of November 2025)