Master Sergeant Gerald Welker is a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Gerald earned both the Bachelor and Master of Music degree from the University of Alabama, where he served as the graduate teaching assistant. Sergeant Welker has performed as principal horn with the Huntsville Symphony, the Macon Symphony, and the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra. He has had the distinction of being named a 2001 Yamaha Young Performing Artist, as well as winning many prestigious solo competitions throughout the United States and Europe. Most notably, Gerald won the Second Prize in the professional division of the 2007 International Horn Competition of America, as well as being a featured soloist at the 37th Annual International Horn Society Summer Symposium. He was also a member of the world-renowned TransAtlantic Horn Quartet with hornists Michael Thompson, Richard Watkins and Charles Snead. MSgt Welker joined the Air force in 2006 and has served as principal horn with the USAF Band of Mid-America, the USAF in Europe Band, and the USAF Academy Band. He currently performs with the concert band, marching band, and Academy Winds, as well as serving as a drum major.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Music, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Master of Music, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
ASSIGNMENTS
May 2006 – July 2006, Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
August 2006 – June 2009, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
June 2009 – January 2015, The USAF Academy Band, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
January 2015 – January 2017, USAFE Band, Ramstein Air Base, Germany
January 2017 – Present, The USAF Academy Band, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Col. Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class – 23 May 2006
Senior Airman – 23 September 2008
Technical Sergeant – 09 June 2009
Master Sergeant – 01 Aug 2021