Master Sergeant Laura Brown serves as a trumpeter with the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Sergeant Brown was born and raised in Ottawa, Illinois and went on to earn a Bachelor of Music Education degree and a Master of Music degree in Trumpet Performance from Illinois State University. While at Illinois State University, MSgt Brown studied trumpet with Dr. Amy Gilreath. She has also performed with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, the Brass Band of Central Illinois, and the Sugar Creek Symphony and Song.
MSgt Brown enlisted in the Air Force in 2009. Her first assignment was with the USAF Band of the West at Lackland AFB, TX. In 2013 she was reassigned to the USAF Band of Mid-America at Scott AFB, IL, and in 2022 moved overseas to serve with the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) International Band at SHAPE Headquarters, Belgium. While at SHAPE, MSgt Brown served with military musicians from the US Army, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Canada, Lithuania, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland, a truly unique experience and highlight of her military career.
EDUCATION
2007 Bachelor of Music Education, Illinois State University
2009 Master of Music – Trumpet Performance, Illinois State University
2009 Basic Military Education, Lackland AFB, TX
2014 Airman Leadership School
2021 Non-Commissioned Officer Academy
ASSIGNMENTS
2009 USAF Band of the West, Lackland AFB, TX
2013 USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, IL
2022 SHAPE International Band, SHAPE, Belgium
2026 USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt AFB, NE
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Vierdaagsekruis (Four Days March Cross) (Dutch decoration)
Air Force Good Conduct Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon
Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon (Rifle)
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2011 - Airman of the 1st Quarter, USAF Band of the West, Lackland AFB, TX
2012 - Airman of the 3rd Quarter, USAF Band of the West, Lackland AFB, TX
2014 - Commandant Award winner, Airman Leadership School
2021 - Distinguished Graduate, NCO Academy
2022 - NCO of the 3rd Quarter, Air Mobility Command Public Affairs, Scott AFB, IL