MSgt Matthew E. Kirkpatrick is a trumpet player in the United States Air Force (USAF) Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan. Sergeant Kirkpatrick is currently Section Chief of Publicity and performs with Pacific Showcase and Pacific Brass. His responsibilities include overseeing the Social Media, Marketing, Productions, and Heritage sections as well as aligning the bands messaging with DoD, DoS, USINDOPACOM, and PACAF’s line of efforts.
MSgt Kirkpatrick entered the Air Force in October of 2008, completing basic military training in November and reporting for duty at Robins AFB. Sergeant Kirkpatrick has performed in over 25 countries during his time in the Air Force. Prior to his current assignment MSgt Kirkpatrick was a trumpet player with the USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, Illinois.
Prior to joining the Air Force MSgt Kirkpatrick was a member of the Wichita Symphony and Boise Philharmonic. He is a native of Smyrna, Tennessee.
EDUCATION
2004 Bachelor of Music, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee
2006 Master of Music, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas
2008 Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas
2014 Airman Leadership School, Ramstein AB, Germany
2020 Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Kadena AB, Japan
2021 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Course, National Defense University
ASSIGNMENTS
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October 2008 - November 2008, Trainee, 323d Training Squadron, Lackland AFB, Texas
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November 2008 - January 2011, Regional Band Trumpet, USAF Band of the Reserve, Robins AFB, Georgia
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January 2011 - October 2016, Regional Band Trumpet, USAFE Band, Ramstein AB, Germany
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October 2016 - July 2019, Regional Band Trumpet, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, Illinois
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July 2019 - Current, Section Chief Publicity, USAF Band of the Pacific, Yokota AB, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Army Commendation Medal
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Air and Space Overseas Ribbon Long
Air and Space Longevity Service with two oak leaf clusters
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class Oct. 7, 2008
Senior Airman Feb. 7, 2011
Staff Sergeant Oct. 1, 2014
Technical Sergeant Nov. 1 , 2019
Master Sergeant April 1, 2023
(Current as of April 2023)