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Master Sergeant Jesse Thompson

Originally from Wichita, KS, MSgt Thompson is a graduate of the University of North Texas where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. He currently serves as a guitarist for the United States Air Force Band of the West, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX.

EDUCATION
2006 - Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies, University of North Texas
2011 – Airman Leadership School, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
2017 – Associate of Applied Science, Music, Community College of the Air Force
2018 – Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Peterson Air Force Base

ASSIGNMENTS
  1. July 2008 – August 2008, Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, TX
  2. August 2008 – August 2010, USAF Band of the West, Lackland AFB, TX
  3. August 2010 – August 2013, USAF Band of the Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI
  4. August 2013 – July 2021, USAF Academy Band, Peterson AFB, CO
  5. July 2021 – Present, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, IL
  6. Dec 2024 – Jan 2026, 22d Air Refueling Wing, McConnell AFB, KS
  7. Jan 2026 – Present, USAF Band of the West, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal
Air and Space Commendation Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Achievement Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters
Meritorious Unit Award        
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award with 3 oak leaf clusters
AF Good Conduct Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Recognition Ribbon   
National Defense Service Medal       
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal      
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal      
Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon Long          
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border      
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with 3 oak leaf clusters
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon with 1 oak leaf cluster
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon      
Air and Space Training Ribbon         

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class, 15 July 2008
Senior Airman, 15 November 2010
Staff Sergeant, 1 July 2012
Technical Sergeant, 1 December 2017
Master Sergeant, 1 November 2022

(Current as of January 2026)