MSgt Kelcey McDonald is the Section Chief of Readiness at the PACAF Band, Yokota AB, Japan. Sergeant McDonald primary duties also include being the sound engineer for musical groups Pacific Showcase and Final Approach.
Sergeant McDonald entered the Air Force in February 2004 following a career as adjunct instructor and television master control operator. After completion of Basic Military Training, he was assigned to the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA. Sergeant McDonald was then assigned to the USAF Band of the Pacific-Asia, Yokota Air Base Japan in 2015. After a 5-year assignment at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base from 2017 to 2022 with the Band of Flight, Sergeant McDonald returned to Yokota Air Base Japan in April 2022 for a 2nd assignment. Prior to his current position, the MSgt was the NCOIC of Productions at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.
MSgt McDonald has deployed four times in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, INHERENT RESOLVE, ALLIES WELCOME and RESOLUTE SUPPORT promoting morale, diplomacy, and outreach to coalition partners and embassies throughout the United States Central Command area of responsibility.
EDUCATION
1997 Bachelor of Science, Music Engineering Technology, Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia
2009 Airman Leadership School, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia
2010 Associates Degree, Music, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
2014 Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Enhancement Course, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia
2017 Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (Non-Residence), Yokota Air Base, Tokyo Air Base, Tokyo, Japan
ASSIGNMENTS
1. May 2004 – May 2015, Regional Bandsman, USAF Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Hampton, Virginia
2. May 2015 – June 2017, Regional Bandsman, USAF Band of the Pacific-Asia, Yokota Air Base, Japan
3. June 2017 – April 2022, NCOIC Productions, USAF Band of Flight, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
4. April 2022 – Present, Section Chief Readiness, USAF Band of the Pacific – Asia, Yokota Air Base, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters
Army Commendation with three Oak Leaf Cluster
Air and Space Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Meritorious Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border with two Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with three bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon with one Service Star
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Air Force Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2009 Distinguished Graduate, Airman Leadership School
2016 Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman Basic 24 February 2004
Airman First Class 22 May 2004
Senior Airman 24 June 2006
Staff Sergeant 1 November 2009
Technical Sergeant 1 August 2019
Master Sergeant 1 Mar 2023
(CURRENT AS OF MARCH 2024)