Senior Airman Mark Oates Senior Airman Mark Oates, from Luray, VA, performs on trumpet for the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band. He received a Bachelor's of Music degree from James Madison University and was a student of James Kluesner.While attending JMU, he was the second brass player in University history to win the annual concerto competition, and was twice selected as a member of the All-American Band. In 1998, SrA Oates joined the Glenn Miller Orchestra, touring the United States and Japan. He has also performed with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and the Russ Morgan Orchestra. SrA Oates has been a regular performer at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Tampa and has worked for various cruise lines, including Carnival and Princess Cruises. After being awarded the position of lead trumpet for the national tour of "Miss Saigon" in 2001, SrA Oates accepted a job as Musical Director for Crystal Cruises.SrA Oates entered the Air Force in November 2011 and was assigned to the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve. In 2012,SrA Oates performed with "Tour for the Troops" with comedian Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias and the multi-platinum rock band Daughtry, entertaining thousands of active duty and reserve Airmen and their families.ASSIGNMENTS1. Robins Air Force Base, GA November 2011-June 20132. Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA July 2013-presentDECORATIONSAir Force Achievement MedalNational Defense Service MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalSmall Arms Expert Marksmanship RibbonAir Force Honor Graduate RibbonAir Force Training Ribbon