Staff Sergeant Benjamin Kersey, a native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the Audio Engineer for the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band. In addition to his musical responsibilities, he is the unit Facility Manager, Cyber Security Liaison, Information Technology Equipment Custodian, and the unit Software License Manager. In the summer of 2022, SSgt Kersey graduated from Roger’s Airman Leadership School in San Antonio, TX. He received the awards of Distinguished Graduate and Unsung Hero, an honor given by his peers and classmates. SSgt Kersey has deployed to the Middle East twice with USAF bands, providing musical support and troop morale in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Djibouti, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. While deployed, SSgt Kersey and the Air Force band assisted the United States in a collaborative effort with host-nation dignitaries to reinforce long-standing relationships and build new bridges of communication that resulted in stronger international relations.
Prior to his Air Force career, SSgt Kersey earned a degree in Audio Engineering from the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Phoenix, AZ in 2006. He worked professionally for 10 years at a private school where he led the audio/visual department, taught high school classes, and provided web support. He has been involved with productions and projects with artists such as Charlie Daniels and Nicole Nordeman. SSgt Kersey and his wife Amy have two boys. His favorite hobbies include exploring new donut shops, driving his truck, and spending time with his family.
EDUCATION
2006 - Audio Engineering Degree, CRAS, Phoenix, AZ
2016 - Basic Military Training, San Antonio, TX
2018 - Field Craft Hostile, Fort Dix, NJ
2022 - Airman Leadership School, San Antonio, TX
ASSIGNMENTS
1. December 2016 - July 2022, USAF Band of the West, Joint Base San Antonio, TX
2. April 2018 - July 2018, USAFCENT Band, Al Udeid AB, Qatar
3. January 2022 - April 2022, USAFCENT Band, Al Udeid AB, Qatar
4. July 2022 - Present, USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt AFB, NE
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster
National Defense Service Medal
Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class August 18, 2017
Senior Airman October 18, 2019
Staff Sergeant December 1, 2021
(Current as of July 2022)