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The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EST on September 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status without pay until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.

Senior Master Sergeant Christine Purdue Jones

Senior Master Sgt. Christine Purdue Jones is a trombonist with the Ceremonial Brass, The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Originally from Lafayette, Indiana, her Air Force career began in 2013.

Sergeant Jones holds degrees from Stetson University, The Juilliard School, and the University of Miami. Her primary teachers include Joe Alessi, Tim Conner, and David Schmidt. Prior to joining the Air Force, Jones was Second/Assistant Principal Trombone with Florida Grand Opera and the Palm Beach Symphony. She has also performed with the Jacksonville, Richmond, and Roanoke Symphony Orchestras, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Seraph Brass, the New World Symphony, and Palm Beach Opera. 

An active soloist, Jones was an Artist at the 2021 International Trombone Festival. Additionally, she has been featured on multiple occasions at the American Trombone Workshop, most notably in 2019 where she performed the U.S. premiere of Elgar Howarth’s Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra with the United States Army Orchestra.

Air Force career highlights include playing for the departure ceremonies of President Obama and President Trump, performing in the Air Force’s 75th Birthday Tattoo with guest artist Andy Grammer, and leading the Band in a funeral for one of the last Tuskegee Airmen, Brigadier General Charles McGee.