Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Simon Evans serves as a bassist for the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band. A native of Charlottesville, Virginia, SSgt Evans received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Virginia. As an undergraduate, he had the distinct opportunity to perform with Bobby Mcferrin, Sheila Jordan, Wycliffe Gordon, and John Hollenbeck. After graduating from JMU, Sgt Evans freelanced in the Central Virginia area with regional orchestras, jazz groups, and contemporary bands. His former teachers include Peter Spaar, Sam Cross, Michael Priester, and Dane Alderson.
SSgt Evans enlisted in 2015 with the USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, Illinois. He has appeared on several national television shows including The Today Show and Fox and Friends. In 2024, SSgt Evans completed a deployment to the Middle East and Central Asia, showcasing the Air Force’s ambassadorship on an international stage.
EDUCATION
2014 Bachelor of Music, Music Education, James Madison University
2016 Airman Leadership School, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Oct 2015 - Dec 2015, Basic Military Training Lackland AFB, Texas
2. Dec 2015 - Dec 2021, Scott AFB, Illinois
3. Jan 2022 - present, Langley AFB, Virginia
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Air and Space Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
AF Good Conduct Medal with two oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with one oak leaf cluster
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman 1st Class 04 Dec 2015
Senior Airman 13 Feb 2018
Staff Sergeant 01 Jan 2020
(current as of March 2025)