Technical Sergeant Caleb Brinkley is a Saxophonist with the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America at Scott AFB, IL. He also serves on the unit's publicity team as NCOIC of Productions.
Originally from Pleasant Garden, North Carolina, Sergeant Brinkley's Air Force career began in 2010 at Travis AFB California. He served in the operations department, marketing, and also as an alternate vehicle control officer. Sergeant Brinkley is a 2009 graduate of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he earned a Bachelor's of Science in Music Education and Jazz Performance. He studied abroad one semester at the New Zealand School of music located at Wellington, New Zealand. He performed in the University of Massey Jazz Fusion Ensemble and studied under Saxophonist Johnny Lippiett. Prior to joining the United States Air Force, Sergeant Brinkley performed several local shows including the Wizard of Oz, Eubie, Dreamgirls, Swingin' at the Centennial and Love Machine. He also performed for Princess Cruise Lines with the Golden Princess Jazz, Latin, and Show bands. His principle teachers include Dr. Mike Day, Chad Eby, and Eric Marienthal.
During his Air Force career, Sergeant Brinkley has performed with Vince Gil and the L.A. Philharmonic, the San Francisco Symphony, and Carl Saunders.
EDUCATION
2009 - Bachelors of Science - Music Education and Jazz Performance
2014 - Airman Leadership School, Travis AFB, CA
2014 - Associate in Applied Science, Music, Community College of the Air Force
2021 - NCO Academy, Virtual
ASSIGNMENTS
1. June 2010 - January 2015, Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA
2. January 2015 - January 2017, Air Force Academy Band, Peterson AFB, CO
3. January 2017 - February 2020, US Air Forces in Europe Band, Ramstein AB, Germany
4. February 2020 - present, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, IL
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class - Mar 2010
Senior Airman - Jan 2012
Staff Sergeant - Mar 2014
Technical Sergeant - Oct 2019