Chief Master Sgt. Jessica L. Wheeldon is the Chief Enlisted manager for the United States Air Forces in Europe Band, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. She is responsible for the personnel, resources, training, readiness, and management of the 45-member squadron in support of USAFE-AFAFRICA initiatives including building and preserving partnerships through official multi-national military, and international community outreach events.
In 1995, Chief Wheeldon entered the Air Force as a flutist and has performed as an Air Force Ambassador around the world in concert bands, chamber ensembles and as a soloist. She has shared the stage with artists such as Amy Grant, Lonestar, Take 6, Vince Gill, Sandi Patti, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Her assignments have given her the opportunity to travel on multiple troop morale tours to Europe and Southwest Asia, providing logistical support for Hootie and the Blowfish, Jamie O’Neal, Restless Heart, Lee Greenwood and Blues Traveler. While deployed as the Superintendent for the U.S. Air Forces Central Command Band, she leveraged the power of music to bolster the morale of U.S. and coalition troops and strengthen global partnerships throughout Southwest Asia.
EDUCATION
1992 Bachelor of Music, The Pennsylvania State University
1995 Master of Music, Arizona State University
2000 Airman Leadership School
2006 Non-commissioned Officer Academy
2008 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Course
2010 Air Force Senior Non-commissioned Offer Academy
2010 Joint Senior Enlisted Public Affairs Course, Defense Information School
2018 Strategic Mindset Seminar
2018 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II Course
ASSIGNMENTS
1. August 1995 – May 2002; Flutist, USAF Band of the West, Lackland AFB, TX
2. May 2002 – December 2008; Flutist, Band of the USAF Reserve, Robins AFB, GA
3. December 2008 – October 2013; Superintendent, Engagement Division, Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs, Washington, D.C.
4. October 2013 – September 2015; Chief Enlisted Manager, USAF Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA
5. September 2015 – June 2017; Chief Enlisted Manager, USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt AFB, NE
6. June 2017 – August 2020; Career Field Manager, Air Force Bands, Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs, Washington, D.C.
7. August 2020 – present; Chief Enlisted Manager, United States Air Forces in Europe Band, Ramstein AB, Germany
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal with bronze star
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Senior NCO Academy Distinguished Graduate, 2010
Airman Leadership School Levitow Award, 2000
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate, 1995
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Chief Master Sergeant, July 2014
(Current as of September 2020)