Staff Sergeant Jesse Thompson Staff Sergeant Jesse Thompson is the guitarist for "Blue Steel," the popular music ensemble of the United States Air Force Academy Band. He also serves as the primary awards and decorations monitor. Peterson Air Force Base is SSgt Thompson's third assignment. From 2008-2010, he was stationed with the Air Force Band of the West at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. There he performed with the concert band, big band, and rock ensemble. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam was his second assignment. While in Hawaii, he performed with the rock band, acoustic pop group, jazz combo, and was the non-commissioned officer in charge of the jazz trio. Before joining the Air Force in 2008, SSgt Thompson attended the University of North Texas. While earning his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, SSgt Thompson enjoyed performing with big bands, combos, and guitar ensembles in Denton, TX. He graduated magna cum laude in 2006. EDUCATION: 2006 Bachelor of Music in jazz studies, University of North Texas 2011 Airman Leadership School, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam ASSIGNMENTS: 1. September 2008 - August 2010, Regional Band Apprentice/Journeyman, Lackland AFB, TX 2. August 2010 - August 2012, Regional Band Journeyman/Craftsman, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, HI 3. September 2013 - Present, Regional Band Craftsman, Peterson AFB, CO MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS: Air Force Achievement Medal National Defense Service Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS: Basic Training Honor Graduate August 2008 PACAF Band-Hawaii Outstanding Airman of the 3rd and 4th Quarter 2011 PACAF Band-Hawaii Outstanding Airman of the 1st and 2nd Quarter 2012 Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam Airman Leadership School Academic Achievement Award December 2011 EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION: Senior Airman 15 November 2010 Staff Sergeant 1 July 2012 Send an email to Jesse Thompson